Posts Tagged ‘review’

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Ice Massacre
Mermaids of Eriana Kwai Book 1
by Tiana Warner
Genre: YA LGBT Fantasy
 
A mermaid’s supernatural beauty serves one purpose: to lure a sailor to
his death.
The Massacre is supposed to bring peace to Eriana Kwai. Every year, the
island sends its warriors to battle these hostile sea demons. Every
year, the warriors fail to return. Desperate for survival, the island
must decide on a new strategy. Now, the fate of Eriana Kwai lies in
the hands of twenty battle-trained girls and their resistance to a
mermaid’s allure.
Eighteen-year-old
Meela has already lost her brother to the Massacre, and she has lived
with a secret that’s haunted her since childhood. For any hope of
survival, she must overcome the demons of her past and become a
ruthless mermaid killer.
For the first time, Eriana Kwai’s Massacre warriors are female, and Meela
must fight for her people’s freedom on the Pacific Ocean’s deadliest
battleground.
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My Review
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How could I resist a book about mermaids, especially some deadly ones.

This isn’t a whimsical, romantic tale of beautiful mermaids. Yes, they can be beautiful, but when they  change to feed, their true nature is unmasked and they become monsters with red eyes, scaly skin, and teeth like pointed daggers.

No one knows why the mermaids came to the island of Eriana Kwai or why they started to attack the sailors. For many years now, the islanders have sent out ships filled with warriors to try to destroy the mermaids. Year after year the ships don’t return and the mermaids continue to rule the seas, cutting them off from the bounties of the deep, forcing them into poverty and desperation.

No matter what they tried, even training the men to fight blind to resist the hypnotic eyes of the sirens, fails.  Then, what was tossed out as a futile suggestion was implemented and a new ship set sail, armed with twenty young girls, maiden warriors that will not fall to the sirens call of the mermaids.

All hope rests on these maidens. Hope they will succeed. Hope the fishermen can return to the seas. Hope for freedom once again.

I read this book in one evening, completely captured by the characters and action.

A young girl, defying the edicts of her people, ventures to the beach and rescues a young female mermaid. The two become secret friends until a betrayal brings Meela back to earth. These creatures killed her brother, killed so many brave young men. They are a parasite that must be destroyed.

Meela is wise for her years and becomes a fierce warrior. When they maidens set sail to the the mermaids nest, I was confident they would succeed. Until the first encounter.

These mermaids are smart, working together and using the seas resources to battle the humans, and they are relentless.

Some of the descriptions of their change from alluring to lethal really chilled me and the battles were bloody and cold-hearted on both sides, the seas red with blood There’s no room for mercy or humanity against them.

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There’s emotional conflict too. Meela isn’t heartless and is torn between protecting her people and what she can do to change things.

As the girls battle the mermaids, they also battle each other. Being trapped on a ship together in the vast ocean, they are bound to clash and leaderships will be challenged.

Girls become women become warriors in a bloody battle for survival.

The war is ongoing and I’m looking forward to more high seas action.

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Ice Crypt
Mermaids of Eriana Kwai Book 2
 
From award-winning author Tiana Warner comes the sequel to Ice Massacre,
the #1 Amazon Kindle Best Seller.
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Meela has just returned from the Massacre—the annual attempt to wipe out
the mermaids threatening her people’s survival. After forming an
unlikely connection with Lysi, a mermaid she was trained to kill,
Meela is determined to stop the war between humans and merpeople for
good. She knows of a legendary weapon that could bring peace if she
uses it against King Adaro, ruler of the Pacific Ocean. But her
people have plans for future Massacres and refuse to help her uncover it.
While Meela works in secret to unearth the Host of Eriana, Lysi is held
captive under Adaro’s tyranny. Sent to the battlefront, Lysi joins
forces with a band of rebels that could either bring her freedom—or
have her executed for treason.
Separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, Meela and Lysi must find a way to defeat
King Adaro and end the war that has been keeping them apart.

 

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Ice Kingdom
Mermaids of Eriana Kwai Book 3
The final adventure in the Mermaids of Eriana Kwai trilogy …

Meela and Lysi have unleashed Sisiutl, legendary two-headed serpent of the
Pacific Northwest. It was supposed to be an ally that would help them
win the war. Instead, it has fallen under the control of King Adaro,
ruler of the Pacific Ocean. If Meela and Lysi can’t stop him, Adaro
will use the deadly serpent to rid the oceans of mankind. 

With the American military using catastrophic weapons of their own to
retaliate, Meela and Lysi must make peace between humans and
merpeople before one race destroys the other. The journey will risk
their lives and put their relationship to the test—but the
vengeance that has been consuming Meela’s thoughts, day and night,
might prove even more dangerous.

 
 
Tiana Warner is the best selling author of the Mermaids of Eriana Kwai
trilogy. Her books have been acclaimed by Writer’s Digest, Foreword
Reviews, and the Dante Rossetti Awards. She holds a bachelor’s
degree in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia.
Tiana enjoys riding her horse, Bailey, and is an active supporter of
animal welfare.
 
 
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for exclusive content and a giveaway!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

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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 a collection of illustrated poems by a talented brother and sister writing team.

check to see if still free

20 Degrees From Normal

Creative Poems For All Ages

by Anissa and Antonio Ferris

20 Degrees from Normal: Creative Poems for All Ages by [Ferris, Anissa, Ferris, Antonio]

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Genre: Poetry / Illustrated Chidlren’s Book

My Review

 Anissa and Antonio Ferris, sister and brother teen writers, show a lot of imagination in their poems dealing with situations kids face in their every day lives. Younger readers and teens will surely relate to some of the messages presented in them. I sure did with Fly Invader and Inverse Nurse. My son’s favorites were Pet Rex and Pet Spider.

The vibrant and fun illustrations by Fanny Liem connect you with each poem. They pop right off the pages.

Sweet and funny, this rhyming book, whether read together or alone, will become a family favorite.

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Synopsis

By teens for teens. Who better understands teens than teens themselves? In this funny poem collection siblings, Anissa and Antonio Ferris, explore a plethora of subjects.
You will be amused be the rant of an unappreciated wheel.  You’ll relate to the alarm clock failing to work. You’ll acknowledge the wisdom of the lighthouse.  You’ll laugh at the battle with the fly.  You’ll ponder the joys of friendship.  You’ll be amused by what happens to those who are unprepared. You’ll marvel at what a best gift is. You’ll laugh at the havoc a pet rex would create. You’ll be amused by the shampoo phenomenon.  You’ll nod your head as you read the teenagers’ and the parents’ point of view. And many more! Whether you’re a high school freshman or senior, scroll up and grab your copy now to finally enjoy a book by authors who get you!

Amazon / B&N

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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

Today it’s all about thrills and romance with Katie Ruggle’s Rocky Mountain K9 Unit.

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My Review

I got hooked quickly in the first book in this series and while the author wrapped it up nicely, she introduced a new character and a new twist to lead to the next story. And I enjoyed this one every bit as much.

Old characters dip into and out of the action as they all work together in one way or another. The ladies may play the part of a damsel in distress, but they don’t wait for one of the sexy alpha’s to rescue them. They get right in the thick of things.

And the part I’m sure you are waiting for. The dogs! Not only can Katie give us genuine human characters, she also does this with her four legged ones. you’ll fall in love with each one. You’ll fear for their lives as much as their human partners. They are working dogs, trained for specific duties and highly intelligent, yet also gentle, loving, and up to some silly antics.

A series like this is made to order for me. I met all of the character’s in the first book and each one that comes after has a secondary character step up and have their own story.

Suspense, romance and sharp and witty dialogue keep the story moving at a fast clip. I’d love to this made into a movie or series. there would never be a dull moment.

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 Read by Callie Beaulieu

Callie does such a great job narrating. I’m happy to see she will continue to do this series. I’ve come to recognize her vocalizations for the characters and feel comfortable with her telling their stories.

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Synopsis

The sole witness to a horrific crime, Kaylee Ramay flees to the Colorado Rockies to start a new life. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel employee desperately trying to avoid attention—especially from dangerously attractive K9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.

Because Hugh is tall, dark . . . and nothing but trouble.

Hugh is anxious to get back in the field after an act of heroism left him warming the bench.Until then, he and his K9 partner Lexi spend their hours teasing the town’s mysterious newcomer. But when their simmering attraction is nearly cut short by a sniper’s bullet, Hugh’s mystery woman must come clean about the secrets she keeps . . .

Or both of them will pay the price.

Amazon / B&N / Tantor

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My Review

i can’t get enough of  this series. And I love ones like this where each new book brings forth some secondary characters, letting their stars shine. Double tough women in danger, alpha men with soft spots for their women and animals, dogs that risk their lives for their humans yet also get up to fun antics, makes this a golden series for me.

It’s new danger, new romance, and the suspense keeps the plot edgy and fast. In fact, I’d say this one had the most thrilling scenes yet. When I wasn’t anxious for the safety of the characters, I was tickled by the blooming romance, the snappy, sometimes snarky dialogue, and the antics of the dogs and one crazy goat.

I can’t decide who I love more. Katie’s human character’s or her canine ones. Good thing I can love them all!

Still an addictive series and one I very much recommend.

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 Read by Callie Beaulieu

Callie did another super job narrating this story. Her vocalizations of the characters are familiar and something I’ve come to look forward to. It was a pleasure to listen to her and I’m happy she will be continuing with this series.

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

My reviews are voluntarily given.

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Synopsis

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe’s very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path—but for all his big heart, he’s never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton’s haunted eyes. Until he realizes he’ll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there’s no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth . . . but he’d never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado, by her side, Sarah’s finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

Amazon / B&N / Tantor

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And you can catch my review for the first book  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

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I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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The Dead Game
by Susanne Leist
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
 
Review
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I’m always up for a haunted house story. This has that and much more. Oasis sounds like the perfect little town. But, of course, all is not as it appears. The denizens are reclusive and strange, rarely seen during the day and partying at night. Phantom figures prowl the dark streets and vandalism occurs for no apparent reason. The younger adults are kept separate from the older inhabitants. Offered housing in the apartments while the elders live in posh estates tucked away from the town’s center.

An invite to a party at the abandoned and supposedly haunted End House is extended to the younger residents and they decide to go. What happens there is the stuff of nightmares. I felt like I stepped into Stephen King’s Rose Red mansion when I followed this group of people into End House. It seemed to have a mind of it’s own, and evil was at it’s core..

The beginning of the book was slow for me. So many character’s to distinguish and it was hard to connect with them. Plus. I would have liked more showing. Lots of telling at the start and it kept the reading slow. Once I got to enter End House, things sped up fast. Lots of weird things happened and some sinister beings came out to play. That was more of what I was looking for. From then on the story got very interesting.

While The Dead Game didn’t really scare me, I was kept entertained. If you don’t mind a slower start and a large cast of characters to get to know, I’d recommend you give this a go. It sure has it’s moments.

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Synopsis
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Linda Bennett leaves New York for the slower-paced lifestyle of Oasis,
Florida. She opens a bookstore and makes new friends. Life is simple
that is until the dead body washes up onshore. She is horrified to
learn that dead bodies and disappearing tourists are typical for this
small town. Rumors abound of secret parties held by the original
residents in their secluded mansions. Once night falls, the
tourist-friendly community becomes a haven for evil and dark shadows.
However, this is only the beginning.
Linda and her group receive an unsigned invitation to a party at End House,
the deserted house in the forest behind the town, a mansion with a
violent history. They are pursued through revolving rooms and
dangerous traps, barely escaping with their lives, leaving two of
their friends trapped inside.
It is up to Linda and her friends to search out The Dead and find the
evil one controlling their once peaceful community. Can they trust
the Sheriff and his best friend, Todd?
THE DEAD GAME has begun.
**Only .99 cents!**
 
 
Book 2 releasing soon!!
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Author
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I have always loved to read. I grew up with Agatha Christie, Alistair
Maclean and so many other authors who filled my imagination with
intrigue and mystery. The TV show, Murder She Wrote, kept me
entertained when I was not reading late into the night. 
Over the years, my taste in books has expanded to include the supernatural
and paranormal genres as reflected in my selection of shows, such as
Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, and The Originals.
My first book, The Dead Game, is a paranormal suspense/mystery. It
brings fantasy and the surreal to the simple murder mystery. It has
dead bodies and suspects. However, it also has vampires, vampire
derivatives, and a touch of romance to spice up the mix.
 
 
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 
~~~~~

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You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

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I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.
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Jurassic Florida
One Size Eats All #1
by Hunter Shea
Genre: Horror
 
Florida. It’s Where You Go To Die.
Welcome to Polo Springs, a sleepy little town on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s
a great place to live—if you don’t mind the hurricanes. Or the
flooding. Or the unusual wildlife . . .
Iguanas. They’re Everywhere.
Maybe it’s the weather. But the whole town is overrun with the little
green bastards this year. They’re causing a lot of damage. They’re
eating everything in sight. And they’re just the babies . . .
Humans. They’re What’s For Dinner.
The mayor wants to address the iguana problem. But when Hurricane Ramona
slams the coast, the town has a bigger problem on their hands. Bigger
iguanas. Bigger than a double-wide. Unleashed by the storm, this
razor-toothed horde of prehistoric predators rises up from the
depths—and descends on the town like retirees at an early bird
special. Except humans are on the menu. And it’s all you can eat . . .
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MY REVIEW

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It’s only some little iguana’s. How bad can it be? Lots. These guys are emerging in record numbers and they aren’t afraid of us. What if there are larger ones? There are. Of course there are. It’s a Hunter Shea book, after all.

The poor little Florida town and it’s inhabitants are reduced to rubble and red smears on the ground once these monsters tear forth from underground. It’s all stompin, rompin, bloody good fun. Just look at the terrific cover and you get the idea.

We’re introduced to the characters. Come to connect with some of them. But, wait for it. Hunter is known for killing off his character’s and these iguana’s need to eat, a lot. So don’t get too attached.

The only niggle I had was the ending felt rushed. The carnage ended so quickly. Would have liked a bit more about it.

The first in a new creature series from Hunter and I can’t wait to see what he brings us next.

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Raves for The Montauk Monster
Old school horror.” —Jonathan Maberry
A lot of splattery fun.”—Publishers Weekly
Frightening, gripping.”—Night Owl Reviews
 
 
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.
 
 
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts 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.

Monsterland Reanimated banner PUYB

Monsterland Reanimated

by Michael Okon

monsterLand 2 cover

Publisher: WordFire Press
Pages: 250
Genre: YA Fiction/Monsters/Thriller

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My Review

If you thought a theme park full of deadly monsters was bad, the aftermath when it all goes horribly wrong is even worse.

Michael Okon cranks up the craziness in his second book in the Monsterland series. The characters have to step up when the world falls into chaos and they battle new and deadlier monsters while also contending with the insane plotting of some dastardly villains.

I had such a blast reading this. It was fun to be back with the gang. I was really worried about one character in particular. He made quite the impression when he showed up again and quickly became a star in this follow up. I can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.

Yes, there will be another book in this thrilling series and I’ll be first in line. I am huge on horror and thrillers and anything monsters and this has it all. Also liked the apocalyptic tones. Once the action begins it doesn’t slow down. And there are some wild scenes that I think I’m glad I couldn’t see. LOL

Madcap fun through and through.

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Synopsis

After Monsterland has imploded, the entire world is thrown into chaos. World leadership is gone, economies have collapsed, and communications are non-existent.  Wyatt must go beyond the boundaries of his small town to reestablish contact with the outside world, and alert the government about a traitor-in-chief.

During his journey he discovers a new threat released from the bowels of the defunct theme park.

When an army of relentless mummies, a life-sucking ooze called The Glob, and a hybrid reanimated Behemoth rise from the depths of Monsterland, who will survive?

Purchase Links

Amazon / iBooks / Kobo / B&N / Smashwords

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Enjoy the excerpt:

A bright moon painted the desert’s surface pewter. Here and there, dark spots soiled the landscape like oil spills. Most of the bodies had been taken before the troops were ordered to leave. They carted away the corpses, bulldozing the zombies into mass graves, until radios chirped with urgent orders deploying the soldiers to the bigger threats that erupted in the main cities like a chain of angry volcanos.

Monsterland was extinguished, its carcass left for the vultures to pick, the exhibits silent as a tomb.

The dead president and his equally dead entourage were whisked away on Air Force One, along with the dark-clad special operatives that came and left like the brisk desert wind that now howled through the empty streets.

A gate screamed in the silence, slamming with a reverberating smash. The uneven gait of someone with a physical challenge filled the void. The scrape and plod of his limp echoed against the wall of mountains framing the theme park. His labored breathing huffed as he made his way down the streets.

A door creaked loudly as it was blown by the wind. He stopped, his distorted figure silhouetted in the pale moonlight, his body turning silver. He looked at the broken glass littering the pavement like diamonds, then up to the still, pre-dawn sky. He considered the sun peeking over the jagged horizon in the east, its golden light painting the dips and hollows of the hills. Soon the coming day would chase the darkness away.

Time was the enemy now. He had to move faster, or it would be too late. He picked up his pace, lurching along the winding road. A keening howl ricocheted through the streets, bouncing off the walls. It sounded like a … no, he thought, it couldn’t be. The werewolves were all dead. Destroyed by Vincent Konrad when he made their heads explode.

The old man paused, listening for it again, and was not disappointed when the animal whimpered. He gauged it to be inside the defunct vampire exhibit. He moved toward the entrance. The storefronts had been destroyed. A few body parts lay on the pavement, as if people had discarded them in a rush. He heard the scraping of paws on the street and a shiver went down his crooked spine.

He knew the werewolves were dead; he had seen it with his own eyes. A figure detached from the shadows. Igor flattened himself against the wall. He watched it move stealthily down the street, stopping when it scavenged a morsel of rotting flesh. It looked up to stare at Igor, its eyes glowing in the darkness.

A coyote? He waved a hand, dismissing it. It had to be a coyote; it was too small to be a wolf, too big to be a dog. The beast twitched its ears, then resumed its meal.

Igor knew the coyote was not a threat, and he continued his mission. His lame foot hit a can, sending a cacophony of sound like an explosion in the deserted park. The beast dropped the bone it was gnawing on, sniffing the area. Its iridescent eyes searched the streets.

It could be a baby wolf, Igor thought, keeping himself as still as possible. He felt it watching him, even from this distance. It was not a threat, yet.

Igor skittered away, hugging the walls of Monsterland, putting as much distance as he could between them. Not an easy feat, considering his distorted hips. He muttered to himself about carrion and the wind. His eyes darted nervously, scouring the hills, not exactly sure what he was looking for. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. His heart pounded so loudly he was certain that the creature watching him could hear it too.

His feet stumbling to a halt, he bent over, gasping for air, cursing Vincent and those meddlesome teenagers, as well as the rest of the world.

The beast gave another mournful howl that went right through him. Igor glanced at his empty hands, berating himself for not bringing a weapon. He searched his surroundings for anything to protect himself.

Then he saw it, one of the axes they had on almost every corner. All of them had been pulled from their protective cases. One was lying in a pool of coagulating blood, the blade long gone. He picked up the broken axe handle, turning in a semicircle. He was ready for an attacker.

A new, larger outline made his heart quiver with fear. It crouched in a corner, its snout covered with blood. This one was bigger, not a coyote, a wild wolf. Wait, he thought. Weren’t the gray wolves of California all but extinct?

Igor narrowed his eyes. The beast was a light reddish brown and not the silver gray of a wolf’s pelt. A chain hung from its neck, the pendant of a werewolf’s head dangling, emerald eyes flashing. What was it? Was it a mutant coyote? A wolf? Some weird hybrid, he wondered for a minute, his breath harsh in his ears. They watched each other soundlessly.

A hybrid then. He’d heard about them, a rare mixture of wolf and coyote. What did they call them? Coywolves …? or was it Woyotes? He shrugged indifferently. Perhaps someone’s pet, he decided. Igor’s mirthless laugh came out like a snort.

The coywolf stood still, its ears alert, its head cocked as if it was observing him.

Igor dropped the makeshift weapon, calling out, “Eat the rest of your meal, you dumb beast.”

The animal continued to watch him, its two front paws on the remains of a zombie’s chest.

Igor wiped his forehead, waiting, his eyes coming back to search the village, confirming it was empty, except for the carrion eaters like the coyotes and vultures. He looked up, noting the circling predators waiting for him to move on.

“Interrupted your meal,” he chuckled. Just the local scavengers looking for food. That was all; the shadows revealed nothing else. Satisfied he was alone, he moved on. He had work to do.

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Author Michael Okon

michael okon headshot

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

 Find Michael:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Snapchat

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GIVEAWAY

Michael Okon is giving away 10 Prize Packs which includes a Monsterland T-shirt, Ice Pack. Emory Board and signed Poster.

Terms & Conditions:

  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Ten winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter
  • This giveaway ends midnight July 27.
  • Winner will be contacted via email on July 28.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes: Cozy Mysteries for the Dog Days of Summer

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By Judith Lucci, Cindy Bell, Colleen Mooney, Amy Vansant, Colleen Helme, Kim Hunt Harris, Anna Celeste Burke, Ava Mallory, Sandi Scott, Susan Boles, Sam Cheever & Anne R. Tan

Summer Snoops and Cozy Crimes: Cozy Mysteries for the Dog Days of Summer
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: July 24th, 2018
Publisher: Bluestone Valley Publishing

WSJ Bestselling Author Judith Lucci – Gawd Almighty & the Corn

WSJ Bestselling Author Cindy Bell – Murder at Pawprint Creek

WSJ Bestselling Author Colleen Mooney -Dog Gone and Dead

USA Today and WSJ Bestselling Author Amy Vansant – Summer Teeth

WSJ Bestselling Author Colleen Helme – A Midsummer Night’s Murder

WSJ Bestselling Author Kim Hunt Harris – The Murder of Bandera Bandito

USA Today Bestselling Author Anna Celeste Burke – A Body on Fitzgerald’s Bluff

Ava Mallory – A Dream Stray-Cation

Sandi Scott – Croquembouche Murder

Susan Boles – Death on the Beach

USA Today Bestselling Author Sam Cheever – Toxic Tech

Anne R. Tan – Just Lost and Found

Bonus recipes from the authors are included!

Purchase and GoodReads Links – 

Apple / Kobo / Nook /

Website / Facebook Page

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REVIEW

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Since I didn’t have time to read the entire set for the tour, I’m sharing my review of one of the fun mysteries in this boxed set. I’ll be sure to share reviews of the rest as soon as I get done reading them.

A Body On Fitzgerald’s Bluff

by Anna Celeste Burke

My Review

While performing their ritual morning walk, the group known as The Seaview Cottages Walkers Club spot a dead woman’s body at the bottom of Fitzgerald’s Bluff. Having no faith that their lazy Deputy Sheriff, Darnell Devers, will sort it out, they hitch their wagons and begin their own investigation. A community of retirees, they have plenty of spare time to stick their noses in where they don’t belong.

One of them, Miriam, has a secret. One that could blow her world apart. No, she’s not the killer, but her pals are sniffing for clues to who killed the girl they found at the bottom of the bluff, and her secret might come to light.

This was a fun whodunit with a truly quirky bunch of characters, including some furry ones. Lots of puns and snort worthy dialogue kept me smiling. I had my hopes up for a spark of romance between a certain someone and lead detective Hank Miller. And it was a pleasure to come across a mystery not easily solved. I was in the dark until right near the reveal.

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About The Authors

Judith Lucci

Dr. Judith Lucci is a Wall Street Journal and best-selling Amazon. She is an award-winning author of the Alexandra Destephano Medical Thriller and the Michaela McPherson “Two Sleuth’s and a Dog” Crime fiction series. Her newest series, Artzy Chicks, releases next month and features a group of , eccentric, talented but zany artists in their Art Gallery at a Mountain Resort.

In 2017, ‘Viral Intent’ (Book 3) Alexandra Destephano Series) was awarded a Gold Medal by Readers’ Favorites for ‘Best Political Thriller’. as was her crime thriller ‘The Case of Dr. Dude’ (Michaela McPherson #1) for a Gold Medal for ‘Best Amateur Sleuth for 2017. ‘The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year‘ won an additional gold medal for ‘Best Holiday Read’ of 2017.

Her favorite things are reading, writing art and animals. In her spare time she teaches painting, loves up on animals and raises money for needy causes. Judith lives with her 4 dog family in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She loves to connect with her readers and is available at judithlucciwrites@gmail.com. Check our her website at judithlucci.com. and sign-up for a free copy of Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center.


Cindy Bell

Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Cindy Bell, has always loved reading, but it is only recently that she has discovered her passion for writing romantic cozy mysteries. When she is not reading or writing she loves baking (and eating) sweet treats or walking along the beach with her energetic cocker spaniel, thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on. Cindy is the author of the Chocolate Centered, Donut Truck, Dune House, Sage Gardens, Nuts about Nuts, Bekki the Beautician, Wendy the Wedding Planner, Heavenly Highland Inn and the Macaron Patisserie Cozy Mystery Series.


Colleen Mooney

Colleen Mooney was born and raised in New Orleans along with everyone else in her family. She is a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author and writes a cozy mystery series set in New Orleans called The New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles and the fourth book, Death By Rum Balls was released in December 2017.

Since January 2017 Colleen organized a Sisters In Crime chapter in New Orleans, has been elected President and has a planned a Mystery Writers’ Conference for June. She is currently working on her 5th book in the Brandy Alexander series.

In New Orleans, she’s been a member and active in many Mardi Gras Krewes, Super Krewes, and organizations. Colleen says she has never met a parade she didn’t like.

She’s an ardent animal lover and the Director for a breed rescue, Schnauzer Rescue of Louisiana for the last fifteen years. She has rescued and placed over 350 abandoned or surrendered Schnauzers. She loves to write and writes about what she loves. Colleen says, “New Orleans is where it all happens for me.”


Amy Vansant

Amy Vansant

Amy Vansant is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author specializing in fun, comedic reads about accident prone, easily distracted women with questionable taste in men.
So, autobiographies, mostly.
Ha!
But seriously: She writes happy romantic comedies, mysteries, and urban fantasies. Amy is the former East Coast Editor of SURFER Magazine but the urge to drive up and down the coast interviewing surfers has long since left her. She’s a dog-lover who works at home with her goofy husband and loves interacting with fans, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!

http://www.amyvansant.com/


Colleen Helme

Colleen Helme is the author of the bestselling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, a wildly entertaining and highly humorous series about Shelby Nichols, a woman with the ability to read minds. When asked if reading minds is something Colleen wishes she could do she says, “No way! It gets Shelby into so much trouble that I would never want that ability.” Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby’s adventures. Besides writing, she loves reading, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.


Kim Hunt Harris

Kim knew she wanted to be a writer before she even knew how to write. When her parents read bedtime stories to her, she knew she wanted to be a part of the story world. She started out writing children’s stories, and her stories grew as she did. She discovered a gift for humor and a love for making people laugh with her tales, and the Trailer Park Princess series was born.

Kim loves to not only make her readers laugh and entertain them with a good mystery, but also to examine the issues the everyday people face…well, every day. Issues like faith and forgiveness, perseverance and tolerance. Set in Lubbock, Texas, the fun books feature a cast of quirky characters, outrageous situations, a drama queen of a dog, and from time to time, a tear or two.

Kim lives with her husband of more than thirty years and two teenage kids in Texas.


Anna Celeste Burke

Anna Celeste Burke is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling Author!

Welcome! Join me to get a free eBook–just copy & paste the link: http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com

Life is an extravaganza! figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.

On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I had met in San Diego and married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University. A GED for my husband and many more years of education landed us in academia at The Ohio State University. Retired now from my role as a professor of social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. I’m still married to the same sweet guy and live with him in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing fiction, I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese kitties.

An award-winning and bestselling author I enjoy snooping into life’s mysteries with fun, fiction, & food—California style! My books include the Jessica Huntington Desert Cities Mystery series set in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, the Corsario Cove Cozy Mystery series set on California’s Central Coast, and The Georgie Shaw Cozy Mystery series set in Orange County, California–the OC. Coming soon: The Misadventures of Betsy Stark also set here in the Coachella Valley. Find out more at http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com.


AVA MALLORY

AVA MALLORY has been a grade school teacher, a psychiatric technician, a dementia unit nurse manager, and a Hospice nurse. She has embarrassed herself in front of handsome celebrities, won vocal contests much to the chagrin of her children, survived a  major earthquake, and nearly drowned when she mistakenly thought a YMCA lifeguard asked her to dive into the deep end on her first day of swim lessons. She and her eternally annoyed children share their home with a massive collection of books and a never-ending supply of new book ideas.


Sandi Scott

Sandi Scott is a cozy mystery reader who finally found the courage to write the stories in her head and share them with others. She fell in love with mystery books when she first started reading Agatha Christie eons ago, although her favorite female sleuth will always be Harriet the Spy. She loves dogs, her family, her readers, and sweet treats — not necessarily in that order.

 


Susan Boles

Susan Boles is the award-winning author of the Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery Series and also writes romantic suspense in the Brotherhood Protectors series.

A lifelong long love of all things mysterious led Susan to write cozy mysteries. Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden were the first to show her that girls can be crime solvers. Agatha Christie showed her that even small towns have big secrets. And Phryne Fisher showed her lady detectives can be outrageously individual. She lives in Mississippi with her rescue mini dachshund, Lucy, and her rescue cat of no particular breed, Zimba.


 

Sam Cheever

USA Today Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 50+ books.


 

 

Anne R. Tan

Anne R. Tan fell in love with storytelling in elementary school, but decided to study engineering so she could get a “real job.” Her day job is her vacation from home and she moonlights as a writer to keep the voices inside her head under control. She is a toddler wrangler and a part-time short-order cook for her family. She is married to her version of Bob Vila who believes everything needs to be fixed, even if it’s already working. The koi fish in her pond are the only sane members of her household.

 

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GIVEAWAY

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 18 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

June 18 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

June 19 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW

June 19 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

June 20 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

June 21 – I’d Rather Be At The Beach – REVIEW

June 21 – Mysteries with Character – SPOTLIGHT

June 22 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

June 23 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

June 23 – Varietats – REVIEW

June 24 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 25 – My Fiction Obsession – SPOTLIGHT  

June 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – SPOTLIGHT

June 27 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

June 28 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – SPOTLIGHT

June 29 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT

June 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

July 1 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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

Today it’s all about thrills in the African bush.

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Safari

  by Alexander Plansky

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Genre: Techno Thriller

My Review

The synopsis mentions a comparison to The Island Of Doctor Moreau. Got me all kinds of curious so I gave this a go.

Couldn’t help but feel sorry for these characters. They think they struck gold when asked to assist in a study for the rich and powerful Billy Sans. Things change fairly quickly as they realize it’s actually a killing ground with a mad man as the puppeteer.

While this was fairly predictable, I still had a good read. Couldn’t wait to see what kind of creatures emerged and who would be picked off. Things moved quickly, people were torn to pieces, and I loved how some got a well deserved comeuppance.

A good ending too. Made me appreciate the thrilling cover.

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Synopsis

The Island of Dr. Moreau meets “The Most Dangerous Game” by way of Michael Crichton in this suspenseful new technothriller about the dark potential of genetic engineering.

For Sydney Marlowe, getting a coveted research position with enigmatic biotech CEO Billy Sans seems like a dream come true. She and three other interns are flown halfway around the world to a remote private game reserve in Tanzania, where they will implement new zoological technologies and analyze field data over the course of two weeks.

But when local animal behavior becomes increasingly unnatural and people begin to go missing, Sydney and the others realize that something sinister is lurking beneath this paradise. The truth, however, is more horrifying than any of them could have imagined.

Amazon / B&N

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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

Today it’s all abut some Paranormal Cozy Mysteries

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Alice In Murderland

Magical Bookshop Mystery#1

by Samantha Silver

Alice in Murderland (A Paranormal Cozy Mystery) (Magical Bookshop Mystery Book 1) by [Silver, Samantha]

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Genre: Paranormal / Cozy Mystery

My Mini Review

This was such fun. What’s not to love in a paranormal cozy. And there’s books in it. LOL Delightful and quirky characters, a murder to solve, and witchy shenanigans made this a delightful few hours of reading for me. I will be following this series and anticipating much more fun to come.

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Synopsis

Moving from Miami to small-town Oregon was supposed to be boring…

When Alice Calliope takes over her recently deceased aunt’s bookshop in Sapphire Village, Oregon, she’s not expecting her world to be flipped upside down, but that’s exactly what happens when her cousin Cat reveals to Alice that she’s actually a witch. Add in the fact that the two of them stumble upon a dead body, and Alice’s first day in town ends up being a lot more eventful than she could have possibly imagined!

What was supposed to be a simple cross-country move winds up with Alice having to learn how to navigate a whole new magical world while at the same time trying to clear Cat’s name as she emerges as the main suspect in the murder. Add in the eccentric Grandma Cee, witchcraft lessons, a whiny old ghost and the laziest cat ever, and Alice definitely has her hands full.

With pressure mounting for the super-hot local sheriff to arrest her cousin, will Alice be able to hunt down the real killer before it’s too late?

Alice in Murderland is a full-length novel and the first book in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series of paranormal cozy mysteries.

Amazon 

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Beyond Dead

An Afterlife Adventures Novel #1

by Jordaina Sydney Robinson

Beyond Dead: An Afterlife Adventures Novel (A Paranormal Ghost Cozy Mystery Series Book 1) by [Robinson, Jordaina Sydney]

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Genre: Paranormal / Cozy Mystery

  My Review

This book was a delight to read. The main character, Bridget, is newly dead, but that doesn’t slow her down a bit. The afterlife is every bit as busy and fashion challenged, and even ghosts can be murdered. Who woulda thunk it.

I had a rip snort of a read. Loads of snark, which I love, fun characters galore, and a challenging mystery to solve, all added up to a ghostly good time.  I feel for this one and moving on to the next.

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Synopsis

Dead less than twenty-four hours, with a job that doesn’t pay, a fashion disaster for a uniform and more afterlife rules than she can shake a stick at, Bridget Sway thinks it’s as bad as it can get. And then she finds a dead ghost stuffed in her locker.

Since the police are desperate to arrest her for murder, Bridget’s new best friend convinces her the only way to save herself from an eternity in prison is to solve the murder themselves.

With a handsome parole officer watching her every move, an outlaw ghost befriending her and two persistent mediums demanding her attention, solving the murder is not quite as easy as it sounds. And when “murder” turns into “murders” Bridget needs to solve the case … before she becomes the next dead body stuffed in her locker.

Beyond Dead is the first book in a paranormal cozy murder mystery series set in a ridiculously bureaucratic afterlife. It is rife with cozy humor (or more accurately cosy humour) that cozy British mysteries are famous for.

The series follows the newly dead Bridget Sway as she tries to adjust to her new life as a ghost while solving the odd murder along the way. Bridget exhibits all the best virtues of cozy mystery women sleuths in terms of wit and humor but, as the amateur sleuth of a cozy ghost mysteries series, she is something most others are not – and that’s dead.

Amazon 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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 a sweet story about dreaming big.

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Can A Princess Be A Firefighter?

by Carole P. Roman

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Genre: Children’s Book

Age Level: 5 – 6 

 My Review

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were young? Was it a firefighter, an astronaut, or perhaps you wanted to join the circus? When asked if a princess could be a firefighter, a father encourages two young girls to dream big, tells them they can be whatever they want to be, and that they can always change their minds.

The delightful and fun illustrations show a multitude of choices.

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I imagine your young ones will pour over each page, examining everything the pictures have to offer.  Dreaming big and possibly wanting to play dress up.

The message is simple and told with lyrical prose. I read it once, and then again. I suspect many children will too, and this may join the family favorites.

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Synopsis

Two little girls pepper their father with questions about whether or not they can be a profession and still be a princess. Motivated by her granddaughter’s fascination with all things ‘princess, ‘ Carole P. Roman penned this adorable poem celebrating all the wonderful possibilities waiting ahead for them.

Amazon / B&N

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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