Giveaway – Midnight Burning by Karissa Laurel

Posted on October 23, 2015 by fundinmental

Midnight Burning

by Karissa Laurel

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
Cover Designer: Streetlight Graphics
Release Date: July 7, 2015

Solina Mundy lives a quiet life, running the family bakery in the foothills of North Carolina. But a nightmare of a vicious wolf devouring her twin brother changes everything. When Solina learns her dream was real, she journeys to her brother’s home in Alaska, the Land of the Midnight Sun, to search for answers.

Solina soon suspects her brother’s friends are more than they seem, and they know more than they’re willing to admit. Skyla, an ex-marine, is the only one willing to help. As Skyla and Solina delve into the secrets surrounding her brother’s death, Solina learns her own fate is tied to his friends, his murder, and a dark history of forgotten myths and legends.

Solina also discovers a powerful new ability. She must learn to control it if she’s to keep everyone safe. If she fails, a long-lost dominion will rise, and everything she knows will fall into darkness.

My brother, Mani, once told me Alaska was the first place he had ever traveled where he knew he was somewhere different—somewhere decidedly not home—before he ever set foot on the ground. I didn’t understand what he meant until now. Outside my airplane window, the glassy waters of Cook Inlet reflected a bright blue late-summer sky. Dark and looming, the Chugach Mountains encroached from the east. Far to the north, the ghostly, snow-crusted visage of Mount McKinley rose above the landscape, an ancient king, high on his dais, surveying his kingdom.

By comparison, Mani and I had been raised somewhere a little more commonplace. Home was a small town in the foothills of North Carolina, over three thousand miles away. And this was the first time I had ever left it. I probably should have eased into long-distance travel in the same way I eased into a cold swimming pool—one toe at a time. A trip over the border into Gatlinburg. A weekend visit to D.C. But no, I had taken a plunge from the high dive instead, and boy, was I in over my head.

The captain’s calm and assuring voice spilled across the cabin, announcing our approach and descent into Anchorage. Seatbelt signs chimed and flashed. A pair of flight attendants swept down the aisles, collecting trash and reminding passengers to raise seat backs and lock away tray tables. I closed my eyes, drew in a deep breath, and urged my heart to return to its regular pitter-patter pace, but it refused to obey.

I breathed in again and trapped the breath in my lungs. Chill, Solina, I told myself. It’s only a week. I could survive anything for one week, right? And I wouldn’t be on my own. My brother’s best friend, Val Wotan, was at the airport waiting for me. Val had texted me a dozen times to make sure I hadn’t missed my connecting flights or fallen out of the plane somewhere over Canada. Val was expecting me, and I was a glutton for fulfilling others’ expectations. I also owed this trip to my brother, to the honor of his memory. How could I ever look myself in the eye again if I gave in to my doubts? If I didn’t give Mani my absolute commitment?

Val deserved my loyalty, too. In the few years I’d known him, Val had risen from casual acquaintance to something I wasn’t quite ready to label, but just thinking of him made my heart beat a little faster, my breath come a little quicker. Val had earned my regard by being the sibling I couldn’t be for Mani after he’d left home. He had watched Mani’s back, made him welcome and comfortable in a strange and foreign place. He had even saved my brother’s life once.

I chuckled, remembering how Mani had loved to recount the story of the raging bull moose—deep in a rutting frenzy and crazed by the need to mate with anything female and fight anything that wasn’t. Not long after Mani had first arrived in Alaska, he and Val had gone off on a backpacking trip. They came upon the moose on the edge of a meadow and caught it off guard.

The moose turned its hostile gaze on Mani, lowered its rack, and charged. Stunned and uncertain how to react, Mani stood frozen in place and watched his life pass before his eyes. Meanwhile, Val calmly drew a .44 Magnum from the side pocket of his backpack and fired off a warning shot. The moose reconsidered his challenge and lumbered away into the woods.

If only Val and his gun had been there the night my brother died. Then I might be coming to Alaska for an entirely different set of reasons.

Red Adept Publishing

Karissa lives in North Carolina with her kid, her husband, the occasional in-law, and a very hairy husky named Bonnie. Some of her favorite things are coffee, chocolate, and super heroes. She can quote Princess Bride verbatim. She loves to read and has a sweet tooth for fantasy, sci-fi, and anything in between. Sometimes her husband convinces her to put down the books and take the motorcycles out for a spin. When it snows, you’ll find her on the slopes.

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Friday 56 #59 & BB #39 – Gator Bait by Adam Howe

Posted on October 23, 2015 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice.The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and find any sentence or a few ( no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence or so of the book you are reading along with you initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

Please include the title of the book and the author’s name.

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This has been a busy week that included a road trip to Biloxi, Mississippi with my mother. As the summer season comes to an end 🙁 I am “trying” to prepare for the upcoming holidays. That means blogging ahead and doing some yard cleanup so I can begin some projects. Because it is so hot here in Florida during the summer, I try to do my bigger projects in the fall and winter. I find if I wait until spring, I end up behind, because spring is so shortlived, it quickly becomes summer…And I must have my quota of sand, sun and water play.

Today, in celebration of the Halloween season, I have a real live monster to share with you. I must warn you, it is very dangerous in the swamps of Louisiana. The monsters are both animal and human, so tread lightly.

Add me to Goodreads now.

Cover: Inkubus

MY FRIDAY 56

Croker nudged my ribs. “See, what he’ll do now is, he’ll tuck ole Johnson under the tree stump. Let him turn good and ripe before he snacks on him later.” He chuckled at the wonder of nature. “Ain’t that something?”

(56% in Kindle)

MY BOOK BEGINNINGS

I fled the city: Two fingers short and sworn off dames for life.

(LOL, like I’m going to believe that!)

MY REVIEW

Gator Bait by Adam Howe has such a fantastic cover, I knew I had to read this novella. I was sure it would be full of grisly horror and I was not disappointed. The creature feature was inspired by true events and that only added to my eagerness to read on.

Adam Howe spun a tale that had me laughing at the tone of the writing, all the while cringing, waiting for the bad to snap at me from the pages I read. The action began from the opening pages and took me to the bad place I knew I was going to visit.

The Grinnin’ Gator, a honky tonk in the swamps of Louisiana, can only contribute to Smitty’s, well, I would say bad luck, but he tends to bring it on himself. Of course, there is a dame, and she belongs to the “club” owner. He has a very interesting pet and a very bad reputation.

I don’t think there is a good person among the lot, so maybe they all get what they deserve.

Gator Bait starts with blood, torture and murder. It continues with the evil and twisted “fun” the characters of The Grinnin’ Gator do for entertainment. After all, it is in the isolated swamps of Louisiana during Prohibition, which is as bad or worse than the Wild West.

It ends…

OMG! The ending blew me away and I couldn’t help but laugh. I never could have seen ALL that coming and I love it. The best laid plans often go awry and boy, oh boy, do they.

This is my first adventure with Adam Howe and I can only tell you, it will not be my last!

5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Prohibition-era 1930s… After an affair with the wrong man’s wife, seedy piano player Smitty Three Fingers flees the city and finds himself tinkling the ivories at a Louisiana honky-tonk owned by vicious bootlegger Horace Croker and his trophy wife, Grace. Folks come to The Grinnin’ Gator for the liquor and burlesque girls, but they keep coming back for Big George, the giant alligator Croker keeps in the pond out back. Croker is rumored to have fed ex-wives and enemies to his pet, so when Smitty and Grace embark on a torrid affair…what could possibly go wrong? Inspired by true events, Gator Bait mixes hardboiled crime (James M. Cain’s The Postman Always Rings Twice) with creature horror (Tobe Hooper’s Eaten Alive) to create a riveting tale of suspense.

What does the cover say to you?

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Giveaway, Review & Teaser for Diner Knock Out by Terri L Austin

Posted on October 22, 2015 by fundinmental

Diner Knock Out by Terri L. Austin

Diner Knock Out
Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Henery Press (October 20, 2015)
Paperback: 302 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1943390090
E-Book ASIN: B012B59QM4

Rose Strickland’s life is complicated. Besides her waitressing gig, she works part-time for Andre Thomas, a PI with no faith in Rose’s ability to investigate, her love life with Sullivan has stalled, and her BFF, Roxy, has found a new bestie, leaving Rose out in the cold.

Determined to prove herself, Rose takes a case on the sly. As she searches for a missing MMA fighter, Rose discovers an illegal fight club, a group of ruthless businessmen, dead bodies, and a trail of drugs.

Hunting down clues that lead too close to home, Rose finds herself in the fight of her life. Can she beat the killer to the punch before she gets knocked out for good?

Related subjects include: cozy mysteries, women sleuths, murder mystery series, whodunit mysteries (whodunnit), amateur sleuth books, book club recommendations, humorous murder mysteries.

MY REVIEW

Diner Out is the fourth book in the Rose Strickland cozy mystery series. I love the humorous writing style and snarky dialogue that kept me entertained, “cover to cover.” This is my first book of the series, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story, though I would love to go back and find out what I missed.

Rose Strickland loves playing superhero, sometimes landing herself in some very hot water. She gave up her ritzy life, not to slum on the south side, but because she knew that was where she belonged.

Rose works for the Thomas Detective Agency, when she isn’t waitressing. Her boss, Andre is the yin to her yang, when it comes to work. She has a mind of her own, is a “bit” cocky and by going rogue, she is playing with fire.

When I first heard of her boyfriend Sullivan, the scene was so romantic and sexy. The details were left to my imagination and that worked very well for me. She’s good, him not so much. She is drawn to bad boys. The heart wants what the hearts want and she cannot deny him.

The peripheral characters have unusual names to go with their unusual personalities that make reading Diner Knock Out so much fun. Her pseudo family is unique, interesting and lovable, keeping the story lively. As her family grows, so does the fun and adventure.

Terri Austin is a master at misdirection, as I danced from one suspect to another. The suspense and mystery kept me reading, questioning and laughing while I worried and fretted over the outcome.

I received an ARC of Diner Knockout by Terri L Austin in return for an honest review.

4 stars

Books in the Rose Strickland Humorous Mystery Series:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As a girl, Terri L. Austin thought she’d outgrow dreaming up stories and creating imaginary friends. Instead, she’s made a career of it. She met her own Prince Charming and together they live in Missouri. She loves to hear from readers. Drop her a note at www.TerriLAustin.com.

Author Links:

Twitter, FB, Goodreads, TerriLAustin.com, and Henery Press.

Purchase Links
Amazon B&N

GIVEAWAY

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Tour Participants

October 19 – Jane Reads – Review

October 20 – Babs Book Bistro – Review, Guest Post

October 21 – Musings and Ramblings – Review

October 22 – fundinmental – Review

October 23 – View from the Birdhouse – Interview

October 24 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Spotlight

October 25 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

October 26 – Back Porchervations – Review

October 27 – Book Babble – Review

October 28 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

October 29 – Queen of All She Reads – Review, Guest Post

October 30 – A Fold in the spine – Review, Spotlight

October 31 – Frankie Bow – Interview

November 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Giveaway – The End of All Things by Lissa Bryan

Posted on October 21, 2015 by fundinmental

The End of All Things by Lissa Bryan

Series: The End Of All Things #1
Genre: Dystopian
Publication Date: January 24, 2013

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After a terrible virus ravages the planet, Carly Daniels, one of the few survivors, hides in her apartment in Juneau trying to survive the best she can with only occasional forays to gather food. With her is Sam, a wolf puppy she found starving on the streets. He becomes her companion and a reason to continue when giving up sometimes seems like the more attractive option. Still dazed with shock and grief, she hopes for the world to go back to normal soon.
She is discovered by Justin, an ex-soldier who is intent on making his way to Florida before the winter sets in. Justin coaxes her out of her hiding place and convinces her to join him on his journey, because a warmer climate will be their best chance against the extremes of Mother Nature.
Together, they begin a perilous journey through a nation laid to waste by the disaster. Challenges abound along the way. The weather, injury, and shortage of supplies all help to slow them down. In time, they discover that they aren’t the only survivors. Some are friendly but some have had their minds destroyed by the high fever. Then there are those who simply take what they want, leaving Carly and Justin with no choice but to defend what is theirs.
But their journey is not without joy and love. Together, they face every struggle, including an unplanned pregnancy. Despite the perils of bringing a child into a world of chaos, their baby is a new beginning for themselves and a symbol of hope for the other survivors they find along the way.
This is the story of their journey to find a place to begin a new life, and a home in each other.

EXCERPT from Book 1, The End of All Things
Two days later, they were out of food again, and Carly was faced with the prospect of trying to make it out to the store.

Sam swatted his metal bowl with his paw, and then stared down at it with a hint of expectation, as if rattling it would make food appear. Perhaps, in his little doggy head it did, because Carly had always filled it whenever she heard the bowl clatter on the floor.

Carly went over to the window to peek out at Biker Guy. Still there. Yesterday, she had gathered all of her courage and gone down to the lobby door again, but he had met her there with another Hello, and she’d panicked and darted back upstairs.

He was looking up at her window. He waved and reached down beside his bucket to pick up something that looked like a large white sheet of poster board. He held it up, and she could see the words he’d painted on it in black: PLEASE DON’T BE AFRAID. I WON’T HURT YOU.

He dropped the top poster to reveal another beneath it: I JUST WANT TO TALK TO YOU.

Carly thought that was highly unlikely. Whatever this guy wants, it isn’t just a scintillating conversation.

He held up another sign: I’M REALLY A NICE GUY. HONEST.

Yeah, like he’d tell me if he wasn’t.

He grinned as he held up the last board: SURRENDER, DOROTHY.

Carly had to giggle, but it faded as she realized it was the first time she’d laughed since the Crisis. She retreated and let the curtain drop. Indecision gnawed at her. She had to get food, and that meant confronting Biker Guy, whether she liked it or not.

Tales from the End by Lissa Bryan

(4 Short Stories / Companion Pieces)

Series: The End Of All Things #1.5
Genre: Dystopian
Publication Date: February 4, 2014

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From the author of The End of All Things comes a collection of short stories about the Infection that swept around the globe, decimating the population, and leaving behind a small number of survivors, unprepared to deal with the brutal new world which had replaced the one they’d known.
The Horsemen
L.A.’s mayor has declared quarantine to try to halt the spread of the Infection. Pearl sets off across the city to buy supplies, but already the world is changing. Something strange is in the air. The Horsemen are coming …
Veronica
When Veronica’s mother doesn’t come home from work and no one answers the phone when she calls for help, a nine-year-old girl is thrown into the chaos of a world coming to an end. Veronica decides it’s up to her to find her family. “Veronica” is the story of a little girl’s courage in the face of the end of all things.
“I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud”
They called her Shadowfax– the mare Carly and Justin found on their travels. But before she was found by Carly, the retired dressage horse was known as Cloud. An unusual tale of the end, told through the eyes of a confused and lonely horse, left in her pasture.
Birthday
A previously-published bonus story. Carly knows Justin has never celebrated his birthday, and after society crumbled, no one knows what date it is, anyway. But she wants to do something special for him. Celebrating the little things helps them keep hope alive, and as a blizzard rages outside, a small gesture of love warms their home.

The Land of the Shadow by Lissa Bryan

Series: The End Of All Things #2
Genre: Dystopian
Publication Date: August 21, 2014

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After surviving the Infection and a perilous journey through the wasteland that was once the United States, Carly and Justin have found a safe home in the isolated town of Colby.
Even so, balancing the duties of survival and a growing family isn’t easy. As they emerge as leaders, they face difficult questions about justice in a lawless land, basic human rights, and freedom in a world where strength defines worth. More than ever, they have to rely on one another for strength and support during the darkest of times.
The Crisis is far from over. Their fences won’t keep the world out forever, and a new threat is emerging—a gang of predators who see the town as easy pickings. When danger looms over Colby, Carly must decide how far she’ll go to protect those she loves.
It’s a journey down the long and broken road through The Land of the Shadow.

Shadows Have Gone by Lissa Bryan

Series: The End Of All Things #3
Genre: Dystopian
Publication Date: March 26, 2015

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Carly Daniels knows what it is to suffer loss. She knows what it is to sacrifice. In the two years since a pandemic virus—known only as the Infection—decimated humanity, she’s made choices she never could have imagined. She’s condoned violence in the name of peace and done the unthinkable in the name of mercy. But with Justin at her side, she’s also learned there’s nothing she can’t face and nothing she wouldn’t do to protect those she loves.
But now another threat has arrived in the form of a uniformed man driving an army truck, claiming to represent the remnant of the United States military. Someone has set their sights on their community . . . and on Justin. The struggle to defend their little homeland is far from over, and the visitors may have brought more danger with them than just their weapons.
The shadows are closing in. Carly has to find out whether she has the strength to stand on her own when all of her support has fallen away. What remains when the shadows have gone?

Lissa Bryan

Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Lissa Bryan is an astronaut, renowned Kabuki actress, Olympic pole vault gold medalist, Iron Chef champion, and scientist who recently discovered the cure for athlete’s foot…. though only in her head.
Real life isn’t so interesting, which is why she spends most of her time writing.

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Looking for a pet? Take home Baad Dog by Sal Conte

Posted on October 20, 2015 by fundinmental

Welcome to my tour stop and review for Baad Dog by Sal Conte.

Be sure and enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post!

Just looking at this cute and cuddly dog made me want to read the book.

I mean…how bad can it be?

Deadly!

Baad Dog by Sal Conte

Publication Date: October 16th, 2015

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Pages: 128

~Summary~

Since when did man’s best friend become his very own worst nightmare?

Harry wanted a dog.

He’d wanted a dog ever since his mother gave away the cute little mongrel pup he and his brother adopted when they were kids. His mom gave the dog away because Harry and Lenny didn’t take care of her as promised.

Now Harry is a grown man with children of his own. He brings home Queenie, a miracle of modern robotics who looks and acts just like a real dog. Big Mistake.

“One of the beauties of the K9-233 is that they don’t eat or poop.”

Harry’s wife, Pam, feels there’s something off about Queenie right from the beginning. And then strange things begin to happen: Harry’s five-year-old says Queenie talks to him. There’s the near fatal car accident after Harry makes Queenie spend the night in the garage for being naughty. But Harry loves Queenie—maybe a little too much. Will Harry realize there’s a murderous monster living under his roof before his entire family becomes dog food?

Baad Dog is a horror, sic-fi thriller with a twist from the author of 80s pulp horror classics Child’s Play and The Power. Sal Conte has been dubbed “the modern master of the surprise ending,” and this one is full of surprises.

Amazon

~My Thoughts~

I was excited to receive the ARC for Baad Dog by Sal Conte. It has such a cute cover, but beware, this is a horror novel, so I know it will be baad.

What I am wondering is how Harry got into the situation he is in in the opening chapter. It’s like a B movie playing in my head. He had lots of warning, why didn’t he listen and face the facts, as unbelievable as they are.

I loved the opening pages and knew this was going to be a unique and original story. It creeped me out and I smiled in anticipation.

Harry didn’t know why he walked into the store, or why he allowed the salesman to talk him into buying a dog, and a mechanical dog at that. I could sense a problem as soon as Queenie met Harry’s wife, Pam.

Kinda gives me the creeps, AI, artificial intelligence. It is food for thought. Do you believe it is possible? Do you want it to be possible?

Harry wrote TV shows and maybe he would have been better off if he would have written this one. He could have become rich. Instead, he had money troubles. As a distraction, he thought a trip to the cabin in the woods was in order. Oh yeah, this will be good.

“The nerves rippling her gut told her to turn back.”

Then do it, damn it. Don’t open the door, don’t got in there! Oh no, she’s going to the basement. We all know that is never a good thing, but I too, saw no other option.

Queenie is like the energizer bunny, she keeps going & going…

Loved the ending. I so much want to tell you more, but you will have to read to find out for yourself. If you want to be scared at hidden noises around you, at doors opening and closing, at rustling in the bushes…this is a book for you.

I received Baad Dog by Sal Conte in return for an honest and unbiased review.

4 stars

~About the Author~

Sal Conte is the horror writing alter ego of Amazon #1 Teen Horror author, E. Van Lowe. As Sal Conte, the author turns his talents to gruesome horror with stunning results. Sal Conte is the author of 80s pulp horror classics “Child’s Play” and “The Power,” as well as recent shorts “The Toothache Man” and “Because We Told Her To.

“Baad Dog” is Sal Conte’s first solo ebook. You can visit him athttp://evanlowe.com/sal-contes-page/

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GIVEAWAY

5 ebook copies of Baad Dog

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A Touch of the Supernatural in The Cypress Trap by J C Gatlin Review

Posted on October 19, 2015 by fundinmental

Do you believe in luck? Are you superstitious? Do you have a lucky rabbit’s foot?

I couldn’t resist sharing a few laughs with my fellow Supernatural lovers. For those of you not familiar with the TV show, Sam and Dean are the hunters you want to have protecting you from the monsters of the supernatural..

GUEST POST

I am so happy to have JC Gatlin dropping in for a quick chat. Welcome, JC.

Eight Life Lessons: Ideas for themes and character arcs

Several people have asked, “What is the theme of The Cypress Trap?” Several reviews have pointed out that the story is about overcoming sorrow, as all the main characters are holding onto devastating events in their past. Another critic described the theme as “not appreciating your loved ones until it’s too late.” Either way, it made me think: Does an author go into writing a story with a theme in mind? Or does the story’s theme just evolve somewhere within the undercurrent of the plot and character interactions?

I read an interesting article in Psychology Today magazine titled “Life Lessons: 5 Truths People Learn Too Late.” (October 2012) Several of these lessons inspired plot ideas for future stories, especially within the context of the article — learning the lesson too late. But the article also really got me thinking about themes in general.

When it comes to the book’s theme, especially if the author has a theme in mind when writing the book, the old adage of “show, don’t tell” becomes even more critical. Showing allows the reader to sieve the theme from the plot and analyze the author’s underlying feelings or influences. Telling turns the story into “A Very Special Episode of Blossom.”

These are seven Life Lessons I’ve come across that naturally lend themselves to themes and character arcs.

You can’t fix the ones you love, so focus on fixing yourself
It’s more harmful to overprotect than to under-protect
Sometimes you must put your wants aside and just do what’s best for the one you love
The strength of your friendships is as critical for your health as the lifestyle choices you make
Lust diminishes, but love remains
Truly growing up means forgiving your parents for their mistakes and accepting responsibility for your own actions
Doing what’s right isn’t always easy or popular
Sometimes you must find the strength to say “Yes” when saying “No” would be easier, and “No” when “Yes” is safer.

I didn’t start writing The Cypress Trap with a theme in mind. However, if I had to pick one, I think it’s about letting go. All the main characters are haunted by their pasts, and that’s like acid eating them up inside. Sorrow and regret is a trap that’s difficult to escape. In the end, I think Rayanne, the protagonist, let’s go of her past and her life and moves on.

It is a pleasure having you here, JC. Thanks for the wonderful post.

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

The Cypress Trap by J C Gatlin was a wild ride through the cypress swamps of Florida. I love the location. The pacing was superb. J C had me racing through the forest, bobbing and weaving, chased by evil of the human kind. Just when I thought I could take a breath, J C Gatlin had me up and running again.

I knew from the beginning Owen was going to do something stupid, but I didn’t see it coming back to bite him like it did. Watch out for Karma, curses, whatever, because it can be a bitch.

Owen and Rayanne’s vacation turned into a nightmare. He’s not very happy and he hides his anger behind the dark sunglasses he wears. She tiptoes around him, trying not to set him off. The tragedy that they dance around is destroying them.

Why is Darryl, Owen’s best friend, there?

If you are a Supernatural TV show fan, you know about the rabbit’s foot.

Beatings, running, truck crashing, abduction, escape but nowhere to go, hurt can’t run. Rayanne doesn’t quit, doesn’t give up. She is determined to save her husband.

Terror mounts, as each time Rayanne hides, she is found again, through her own fault, making noise and giving herself away, on the run again. That was my only complaint. But it did keep the suspense and fear for her survival racing through the pages, just like she was racing through the cypress forest.

Rayanne is running through the swamp, dodging coyotes, gators, snakes, the wicked teens, Luger and, could we say, bad luck?

The suspense built during Raynne’s heart pounding run for her life, like the Energizer bunny, kept going and going. Every time I thought I could take a breath, she was discovered and on the run again.

I gave The Cypress Trap by J C Gatlin a four rating, because I was frustrated at her inability to get away and her lack of procuring a weapon, when she had more than one opportunity. But, I tell myself, it had to be that way to come up with the great ending and I do love the ending. I wasn’t sure what would happen and kudos to J C Gaitlin for pulling that off.

Maybe I was just having an off day. If you are a suspense lover like me, this is one you will want to read.

I received The Cypress Trap by J C Gatlin in return for an honest and unbiased review.

4 Stars

ABOUT THE CYPRESS TRAP BY J C GATLIN

When Rayanne commandeers her husband’s weekend fishing trip, she knows it’ll take work to adjust Owen’s attitude. She has no choice. Since the tragedy, they lost so much. They need to reconnect.

Without her knowledge, Owen texts his best buddy, Daryl, to join the getaway. The three of them aren’t alone in the backwoods of Georgia, though. Owen took something that didn’t belong to him. Something that changed their lives. And now the owner wants it back. By any means — including a posse led by a killer dog.

At first, Rayanne is clueless about the item and its value. One thing becomes crystal clear: If it’s not returned, they might not make it home alive.

Goodreads | Amazon | YouTube Book Trailer

ABOUT J C GATLIN

JC Gatlin lives in Tampa, Florida. In addition to regular fishing trips, he wrote a monthly column for New Tampa Style Magazine, then began penning several mystery/suspense stories. He also maintains a blog about the art of spinning a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat mystery yarn.

Coming from a large family with five brothers, JC grew up in Grapevine — a small Texas town just outside of Dallas. He moved to Tampa in 1999, and most of his stories feature the rich landscapes of Texas and Florida as backdrop.

Website | Amazon Page | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon Gift Card (INT) Ends Oct. 28th

Prizing is provided by CBB Book Promotions, hosts are not responsible for prizing.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Sherry’s Shelves #56 – Books & Fun

Posted on October 18, 2015 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves is my weekly update from October 11 – October 17, 2015.

Happy to have you join me for some books & fun.

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged is hosted by TalkSupe

**all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**

**The small amount helps keep my blog running**

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Anyone that knows me, knows I cannot resist a good looking book.

I cannot stop myself from one clicking.

How about you?

Is your TBR list a mountain that is out of control?

Join me, as we read through our lists, one book at a time.

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FREE BOOKS

Be sure and check for the “0”.

My mother will be returning to home shortly and I am limiting my blogging time, so stop by next week for more freebies.

Be sure and check my Giveaway page for anything that looks good to you.

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NEW to fundinmental

I am a huge fan of this amazing parnormal author, Isabella Camilleri. I have read much of her work and was delighted when she sent me the next book in The Blake Legacy series, just because. I love this series and can hardly wait to begin reading.

$fractured in time$

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FOR REVIEW

OMG, if you haven’t heard of this author, you must check him out. I have a giveaway with my review going on right now for one of his books, Wormfood Island. Does that give you a taste of his sense of humor? Weeeeeell, check this one out.

I was so excited when I was approved for a Netgalley copy of Dean Koontz’s Ashley Bell. I am a huge fan of his and own lots of his books, so this is a wonderful addition to my collection. There is also a giveaway on Goodreads, so be sure and check it out.

I have read some of Jeff Gunhus’s work and loved it, so I am very excited to add this to my reading list.

I am sharing Running Free by K Webster for a tour. Click on the highlights if you would like a chance to review this fantastic looking doberman novella. I love Dobies and there is no way I would miss this opportunity. How about you?

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WINNINGS

Hope you had some goodies come your way. 😀

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LAST WEEKS ON fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #55 – Books & Fun

Super Middle Grade Mondays Blitz: Author Spotlight – Steve Bryant with Giveaway #SuperMGMondays

Giveaway: The Ghost Host by DelSheree Gladden

Is there such a thing as a GOOD zombie? Broken Hearted Ghoul by Joyce & Jim Lavene

Teaser Tuesday # 51 – She by Anthony Renfro

Giveaway – Zombie Vacay – Wormfood Island by Ken La Salle

New Release: Glistening Swarm by Jill Cooper

Giveaway & Review: The Corpse with the Diamond Hand @AceCathy

Giveaway & Excerpt for The House at Homecoming Cove by Ginny Baird

Giveaway, Book Trailer & Excerpt for Haunting Me by #Jody A Kessler

Cover Reveal & Giveaway for Running Free by K Webster

M9B Friday Reveal: Author Spotlight – Michael Gibney with Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

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THIS WEEK ON fundinmental

I will be adding more posts, so be sure and stop in so you don’t miss anything.

Sherry’s Shelves

Giveaway, Review, Guest Post & Book Trailer: The Cypress Trap by JC Gatlin

Giveaway & Review: Baad Dog by Sal Conte

Giveaway & Teaser: Diner Knockout by Terri L Austin

Friday 56 & BB

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Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

What have you been reading?

Have you any plans for the upcoming week? 😆

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

M9B Friday Reveal: Author Spotlight – Michael Gibney with Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

Posted on October 17, 2015 by fundinmental

M9B-Friday-Reveal-Bannernew

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are spotlighting

Michael Gibney

author of

The Three Thorns (The Brotherhood and the Shield #1)

a Middle Grade title from Tantrum Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Physical books or eBooks? Both.

Coke or Pepsi? Coke (I’m a sucker for the original)

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook.

Song you can’t get out of your head right now?

The Flamingos – I Only Have Eyes For You. (It’s such a cinematic song.)

Sweet or salty? Salty.

Coffee or tea? Tea.

Write on computer or notebook paper?

Computer. I’m left handed, so my handwriting is at a disadvantage, I’ve always felt.

About-the-Author

Michael Gibney began working in restaurants at the age of sixteen and assumed his first sous chef position at twenty-two. He ascended to executive sous chef at Tavern on the Green, where he managed an eighty-person staff. He has worked in the kitchens of Morgans Hotel Group, 10 Downing in Manhattan, and Governor in Brooklyn’s DUMBO, among many others. Over the course of his career, he has had the opportunity to work alongside cooks and chefs from many of the nation’s best restaurants, including Alinea, Per Se, Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, Bouley, Ducasse, Corton, wd~50, and Momofuku.

In addition to his experience in the food service industry, Gibney also holds a BFA in painting from Pratt Institute and an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Connect with the Author: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Three brothers born to a once powerful King were abandoned at birth and cast out into the old world as orphans – alone and unaware of the other’s existence or their royal heritage.

In the new world, by order of the false King, three of the most lethal assassins are sent to kill the children before they come of age and avenge their father’s throne.

But when the brothers find one another, Benjamin, Tommy and Sebastian must resist the temptation of magic and power if they are to defeat the unspeakable evil that has threatened them since birth.

The Three Thorns is book one in an exciting children’s fantasy series called The Brotherhood and the Shield from debut author Michael Gibney.

Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway for Running Free by K Webster

Posted on October 16, 2015 by fundinmental

Running Free
by K Webster
Woodland Creek
Publication Date: November 15, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance

Preorder: Amazon • Amazon UK

Woodland Creek Series.
30 Authors. 30 Shifter Stories.
One Epic Release Day.

www.woodlandcreekseries.com

Frankie Aleen, a Doberman-shifter, has lived her life in and out of both foster homes and animal shelters. Without a mentor to guide her through the trials of shapeshifting, she was left to struggle to find balance between that of human and dog. Five years ago, though, she ran away from Chicago and ended up in the quaint town of Woodland Creek, Illinois, at the age of seventeen and finally found a safe harbor. An owl-shifter, Otis Brock, took her in and has been a father figure to her ever since.

Even though Frankie, now a bartender, has a wild, rebellious streak, she feels obligated to seek out other abandoned shifters to provide mentorship of her own. Frankie’s safe haven is threatened, however, when teen shifters start turning up dead around Woodland Pond, and she makes it her mission to find the perpetrator and seek justice.

But when one of Woodland Creek PD’s finest, Detective Gunnar Mason, starts sniffing around, he begins to notice that each of the deceased teens are somehow linked to that of the sexy, mysterious bartender with a sharp tongue. He doesn’t want her out of his sight until he’s sure she’s not responsible for the deaths that are stacking up. Things aren’t what they seem in Woodland Creek and he’s sure that Frankie is harboring a dark secret—a secret that may be the key to solving the entire case.

Will Frankie become distracted from her quest for justice by the handsome detective that seems immune to her powers of intimidation? What will happen when Gunnar discovers secrets that weren’t ever meant to be uncovered by humans?

About K. Webster

K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers.

Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Giveaway, Book Trailer & Excerpt for Haunting Me by #Jody A Kessler

Posted on October 16, 2015 by fundinmental

Haunting Me

by Jody A. Kessler

Series: An Angel Falls, #3

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Release Date: August 28, 2015

Angel of Death, Nathaniel Evans’, newest case sends him on a perilous and magical journey to the Irish countryside in search of one unattainable answer: How does an Angel of Death fall from grace and return to life?

Back in Colorado, Juliana’s mishaps with a book of spells and her well-meaning attempts to save her brother’s life could cost her more than a ghostly haunting and a deadly virus. It could cost her everything she loves – her family, her home and her relationship with Nathaniel.

While on the hunt for answers, Nathaniel finds himself imprisoned with fairies and fighting a battle of strength, skill, wit and sorcery to win his freedom back from a ruthless fallen angel. Nathaniel must survive the duel if he wants to change his destiny and fulfill his desire for mortality and a chance to be with Juliana forever.

I’m tender with her to the point of agony as I lower my lips to hers and brush soft caresses down her back with my hands. I know she’s delicate right now, and I can’t break this fragility between us. Any human going through half of what she has had to deal with would be too easy to shatter. I’m about to pull back and wrap her securely in my arms when she presses into me harder. We rise to our knees so our bodies are pressed together. Her hands explore places which have me nearly to the edge of no return. Down my arms and across my abdomen. She grips me at the waist and strokes the muscles running down my back as our tongues meet.

“In another second, I’m not going to be able to stop, Jules.”

“I don’t want you to,” she says.

Her breath is ragged. Her chest is rising and falling a little too quickly.

Who could resist that request? Not me. I taste her again. Her mouth is perfect. Soft, wanting, playful, and heavenly.

Her hand moves under my shirt and I feel light nails and the soft pads of her fingers trailing over my skin. A low groan of pleasure rumbles through my chest. It seems to encourage her and she moves to one of my nipples.

As difficult as it is, I break our kiss. “This isn’t the place,” I murmur.

“It’s a perfect place to me.”

Book 3: Haunting Me – 99¢ limited time

Book 1: Death Lies Between Us – 99¢ limited time

Book 2: Angel Dreams – $2.99 limited time

Jody A. Kessler’s debut novel, Death Lies Between Us, won the Readers’ Crown Award for Best Paranormal Romance and was a runner up for Best First Book. She also writes historical time travel fiction and contemporary romance.

When she isn’t navigating the terrain of her imagination and writing it down, she can be found exploring the wilderness of Colorado with her family, or in the kitchen baking cookies & brownies – and trying not to eat them all. She’s passionate about continuing to learn and reads anything and everything that catches her interest. Jody is a full time mom, a Reiki Master, and has taught Hatha yoga for over a decade.

Jody invites you to stop by her website and see what’s new at: www.JodyAKessler.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!