Don’t Go ‘Beyond The Creek’ by Nico Bell #NicoBell #Horror

Beyond the Creek

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Beyond The Creek by Nico Bell is one of those books where the rating bounces between a three and a four, so I always round up. What drew me in was the cover, then the title gave me that icky feeling that I look for in a horror novel, and the blurb finished me off.

We are in Madison, Virginia, where Alex Foster hopes for a new start, a second chance for her and her baby. Things are looking up for her. She just had to watch out for Harry, the tarantula, and don’t cross the creek. Would you? Sometimes being told not to do something makes me want to do it. You know that saying, curiosity killed the cat.

Alex didn’t care that her new home was not the Taj Mahal. There’s no Robert here.

The story sounded familiar to me…bit it didn’t take long for me to see it wasn’t what I was thinking. Nico Bell took it to a place that surprised me and I love when an author can do that.

I also love a characters that steps away from the norm. Alex is not a sleek, trim, model type. She’s giving and pregnant.

Danger arises, lives are at risk, monsters come a calling and I wonder, who will live and who will die.

Vivid, frightening descriptions of the monsters. Creepy good. So much better than I thought because it sounded so familiar to me, predictable, but by the time I got to the end, I had to hold my breath during the battle and smiled when she opened to door to….because I thought I knew what was coming. I loved the ending!

I vountarily reviewed a free copy of Beyond The Creek by Nico Bell.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

When Alex Foster accepted the caregiver position with the eccentric Nox family, she was issued a single rule. Don’t wander past the creek. Alex isn’t interested in exploring the Nox’s vast wooded property. After escaping an abusive past, her sole focus is building a safe future for herself and her unborn baby. Except, a series of chilling events threatens her happily-ever-after. Now, she must fight to survive an ancient evil before all hope is lost. There’s something beyond the creek, and it’s hungry.

ABOUT NICO BELL (from Amazon)

Nico BellNico Bell is a horror writer from America who dabbles in both the dark and humorous. She’s had several short stories published, and her debut novel Food Fright is available March 26, 2020.

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Review – Desecrated Essence by C A Rene @IndieSagePR #CARene

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Warning: This is not for the faint of heart. The characters have issues, the sex is raw, graphic, including rape, bondage…

Desecrated Essence has another beautiful cover for the Desecrated Duet series by C A Rene, though the story inside is dark and tormented, as are the characters.

Desecrated Essence (Desecrated Duet Book 2)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Desecrated Essence is the second book in the Desecrated Duet series. For me, Desecrated Essence takes erotica to a whole new level.

We are three months later than the end of Desecrated Flesh, the first book in the series.

I started reading Desecrated Essence as soon as I finished Desecrated Flesh. The characters fascinate, disgust, and frighten me. Psychopaths and sociopaths walk around us, never showing their true colors. Here, you will see them. Understand them? Probably not.

Pleasure and pain. Dark…I found these characters so deep, dark and primal, I cannot put into words what I felt as I read, yet I couldn’t stop reading. I am so disturbed that I have to know how their story ends.

I know I keep repeating myself, but I don’t even know what to say about Kailey…and the rest. Sex, sex, sex. I am worn out just reading about it. I am getting bored and kinda grossed out by all the sex, yet I am waiting to see what the Monster wants.

I know there is more to story about the guys, how dangerous they are. They do come from mob families.

I do love reading about dark, depraved characters, but these guys are so far gone, I don’t think any of them can be saved. To say they have mental issues is putting it way to mildly They are brutal, savage, murderous, yet, like all criminals, they do have a code of their own.

I had trouble writing the review for the first book, Desecrated Flesh, and I am having an equally hard time writing a review for Desecrated Essence.

If you like to wallow in the dangerous, brutal world of sexual degradation, come on in.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Desecrated Essence by C A Rene.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

What happens when your only source of warmth and light leaves you?
The dismal shadows once kept at bay, begin to seep back in and coat everything the light once touched. All feeling becomes saturated in their inky grasp and escape becomes impossible. She left me here in the dark, alone and awaiting the impending destruction.

Who do you turn to when you feel all is lost?
His presence isn’t welcomed, and his anger scorches my insides, but at least he never leaves. Now that I’m truly alone, his claws sink deep and trying to flee would be futile. We are one, him and I. There’s nothing I can do but watch the storm clouds roll in.

How do I warn them if the warning is me?
I can’t control him once he has something in his sights, his determination knows no bounds, and his wrath is an addiction I know too well. There’s no stopping the lightning if you don’t hear the thunder.

ABOUT C A RENE (from her website)

Copy of me_edited_edited.jpg

First off… Call me Chrissy!​

I’m so glad you’re here, whether it’s because you found me from reading my books or hit a link, I’m just ecstatic you decided to check me out. 

In my books you will find complete inclusivity and I refuse to be kept in any specific box. I write across all genres and dabble in just about everything.

To keep up with all new releases and teasers for all my upcoming books, you can follow me on any social media platform!

Lover of all things dark. I love to read it, write it, own it, eat it, whatever it. My addictions include Coffee, books, and WINE, in that order.

Website / Facebook / Bookbub / Instagram

MY C A RENE REVIEWS

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Giveaway – Oath Breaker by River Starr @XpressoTours @river_starr

Oath-Breaker
River Starr
(Shadow Pact, #1)
Publication date: May 5th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

No one survives their meeting with the Angel of Death—except for me.

After being accused of rallying citizens to revolt against him and breaking the rules of engagement with demons to save my best friend—guilty as charged on both accounts—the Angel of Death demands to personally oversee my sentencing in his obsidian castle of demons and death.

I’m done for. This is the end. But my death won’t be in vain—I’ll die a martyr to the Paladins Order’s cause, and I’ll rescue my best friend at the same time. She’ll be safe and the paladins will pick a new leader. They’ll thrive and continue the fight.

Or so I think. When judgment day arrives and I’m knelt before the Angel of Death, with his onyx eyes, his ebony hair, and his seductively imposing stature, my soul doesn’t leave me.

It soars.

Because when I dare to look the Angel of Death in the eyes, everything changes. And what unfolds in my anger and vengeance’s stead is a thread of events I never could have foreseen.

I survived my meeting with the Angel of Death. But can I survive his love?

OATH-BREAKER is the first of a M/F paranormal demon romance duology full of steamy goodness.

Goodreads / Amazon


GUEST POST

I am a lover of book covers and am always curious how a cover gets chosen for a book. So, I would like to welcome River Starr to tell us about her cover for Oath Breaker.

Oath-Breaker and its sequel Oath-Maker were fun books to work on covers for! I worked with one of my favorite artists on trying to find a blend between the romance and action readers are to be promised. Working with cover artists on covers is one of my most favorite parts of being an indie author. What artists can do by bringing the story and characters to life is truly amazing.

For Oath-Breaker, I knew I wanted both main characters portrayed on the cover as well as the background to contain a castle. Throw in some wings and Ayla’s celestial sword, and we have the cover that exists today!

The cover for Oath-Maker includes a bit of a change… but you’ll have to check out Oath-Breaker for how it comes to be!

Thanks so much, River, for making an appearance on fundinmental,

Author Bio:

River Starr writes books that help you escape, especially fantasy romance full of magic and supernaturals. Favorite things: coffee, wine, chocolate, and a heavy dose of books to chase away the dark… or invite delicious darkness in.

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
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Giveaway – Eating These Foods Makes Me… by Kalifa Rodriguez @GoddessFish

I no longer have any little ones in my home, but I am always looking for ways to stay healthier for myself. I appreciate you dropping in and sharing this simple suggestion, Kalifa.

Nutrition Hack: Using fruits to replace sugar

Hello! My name is Kalifa, I’m a registered dietitian, certified breastfeeding specialist and the author of Eating These Foods Makes Me… I have a passion for everything nutrition, food and a healthy lifestyle. One thing I’m constantly noticing in my career is the re-occurring issue I notice many of my clients struggling with and that’s the adverse health outcomes having excess sugar in their diet is causing them to experience.

In our westernized diet, sugar is one of the top nutrients we tend to inadvertently consume in excess amounts, and it can be very challenging to cut down. The problem is too much sugar in our diet promotes the onset of many health-related issues and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. So today I’ll share 3 quick and easy tips on how you can swap out the refined sugar and use fruit instead.

1st off, the sugar found in our foods and drinks comes in various forms.  Fruits contain natural sugars, which are a mix of sucrose, fructose and glucose, but primarily fructose. I often suggest using fruits whenever possible to achieve the sweetness you desire as a healthy nutrition hack. For example, berries (raspberries, blackberries and strawberries) are quite low in sugar compared to other fruits and sometimes just a handful added to your cereal, yogurt or pancakes is all you need to satisfy a sweet craving as opposed to sprinkling on the sugar, honey or syrup. 

For those of you who love pastries and baking, you can actually use banana, papaya or even apple sauce as a sugar swap. Put any of these fruits in a blender and pulse until a smooth consistency, and there you have it, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, you can use ½ cup of the puree.  Figs and dates are also great sugar swaps and provide the added benefits of fibre and minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron. 

Lastly, the hot summer weather is just around the corner so you and your little ones might be craving a sweet treat to cool down, why not get the kiddos involved by making their own 3 ingredient fruit sorbet ice-cream. You can take almost any fruit you want and transform them into a delicious and refreshing treat. Raspberry, Pineapple, Peach and Honey Melon are our favourites! Simply peel and cut up your fresh fruit into cubes then freeze them. If you’re using smaller fruits like berries skip this step and freeze them whole! Once frozen, add your fruit and a small amount of lemonade, orange juice or apple juice to your ice-crushing blender or small food processor. Feel free to add some ripened banana to make it taste a little sweeter. Keep in mind this sorbet is best eaten immediately because unlike traditional store-bought sorbets, which contain high amounts of added sugar which acts as interference for freezing resulting in a softer/scoopable texture even at freezing temperatures, this homemade one has way less sugar therefore if stored in the freezer it will harden.

Remember, there are always ways to improve our nutrition by simply being open-minded to trying different alternatives!

Thanks so much for sharing, Kalifa. I hope others found this as helpful as I did.

Eating These Foods Makes Me… by Kalifa Rodriguez

GENRE: Children’s Non-Fiction

BLURB

Is your kid a picky eater? Do you want your child to enjoy eating a variety of foods? Reading can be a proactive way to introduce your little one to the amazing world of nutrition! In this book, readers will explore healthy foods and learn how key nutrients benefit the body. These pages repeat positive affirmations that will empower and build your child’s mindfulness about the foods they eat.

It is never too early to instill life-long healthy eating habits. Happy reading! Or should I say, happy eating!

EXCERPT

Eating these foods makes me… Strong.

These foods give us protein which builds our muscles and bones to make us strong!

Fun Learning Activities to Promote Healthy Nutrition

1. Using paper and crayons or coloured pencils, draw a rainbow, and then draw a fruit or vegetable that is the same colour as each colour of the rainbow. You can even use this book for ideas. Remember to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings) each day! How many have you eaten today?

2. Do you like to play any sports or games? Do you like to walk to the park? Help your parents choose and prepare an energizing snack before the next game or walk to the park.

3. Eat your water? That sounds silly! Did you know that some fruits and veggies such as celery are mostly made up of water and can also help to keep you hydrated? Can you think of any others? Now try adding those slices of fruit or even cucumber to your water bottle to give it some pizazz.

4. Try introducing interactive sensory play for preschoolers (age 3 and older). Gather a variety of beans, nuts, or seeds on a tray or in a bowl with a spoon. Under adult supervision, let the preschooler feel, grab, and scoop the legumes, nuts, and seeds. See if the toddler can separate them based on different colours, sizes, and textures while the adult names each food and talks about how these foods make us strong from the proteins and smart from the healthy omega fats.

These foods give us protein which builds our muscles and bones to make us strong!

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Kalifa Rodriguez is a registered dietitian and certified breastfeeding specialist. She currently works as a clinical nutritionist in Montreal, Canada. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in nutritional biochemistry, she went on to complete a master’s degree in human nutrition and dietetics at McGill University. Kalifa is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyle choices through nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness. She also hopes to leave a positive impact in the community through her work by giving nutrition education sessions to community groups and organizations. Kalifa and her husband are parents to their delightful toddler, who is the inspiration for this book.

CONNECT WITH KALIFA RODRIGUEZ

  • WEBSITE – Kalifa Rodriguez (kalifarodriguezbooks.com)
  • FACEBOOK – Kalifa Rodriguez Books | Facebook
  • INSTAGRAM – Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc, RD, CBS (@the.nutrition.connection)
  • YOUTUBE – Power of Nutrition – YouTube
  • GOODREADS – Kalifa Rodriguez (Author of Eating These Foods Makes Me…) | Goodreads

PURCHASE LINKS EATING THESE FOODS MAKES ME…                     

  • AMAZON.COM – https://amazon.com/dp/0228860911
  • AMAZON.CA – https://amazon.ca/dp/0228860911
  • INDIGO CHAPTERS – https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/eating-these-foods-makes-me/9780228860914-item.html
  • BARNES & NOBLE – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eating-these-foods-makes-me-rd-cbs-rodriguez-m-sc/1140561192
  • BOOK DEPOSITORY – https://www.bookdepository.com/Eating-These-Foods-Makes-Me-Rd-Cbs-Rodriguez-M-Sc-Madeleine-Migallos/9780228860914
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Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Follow the tour HERE.

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Unorganized Crime by Judy Serrano @AuthorJSerrano @pumpupyourbook

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I used to read a lot of true stories about organized crime, so when I saw the great cover for Unorganized Crime by Judy Serrano, I had to read it. This is one of those times where the cover sucked me in more than the story.

I do want to make you aware that I read an ARC, so it is not the final product. Things can change, be tightened and ramped up, made clearer.

I thought the plot was an interesting concept, but the story jumped all over the place, like Jazz. I couldn’t decide if I liked her or not, but she did have her moments. It is hard to know the time frame and I would have liked a more detailed, fleshed out story.

Though I was not on pins and needles, I enjoyed my time spent with Jazz, Gage and Achilles. The way everything came together in the end makes me wonder what comes next and I am intrigued. That’s a definite thumbs up for Judy Serrano.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unorganized Crime by Judy Serrano.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

About the Book

Title: UNORGANIZED CRIME
Author: Judy Serrano
Publisher: 6K Publishing
Pages: 220
Genre: Romantic Suspense

BOOK BLURB

 As Jazz finds herself falling from a helicopter, Gage St. Claire comes to her rescue. Organized crime is once again the culprit of her parents’ situation, and as usual, she is caught in the crossfire. Gage pulls her out of the water and helps her escape to safety. The love between them is undiscovered as he tries to leave her behind in an attempt to keep her safe and move forward with his black ops pursuit. Jazz becomes an undercover cop with wiping out organized crime forever as her goal. After Jazz exposes one of the largest crime families in the country, quite by accident, she is hired to expose crime syndicate leader Michael Giambetti Jr., otherwise known as Achilles. Achilles earned his nickname because he has no weaknesses. He has no weaknesses, that is until he meets Jazz. Achilles has been untouchable, and if she were to break this case, she could finally prove herself as a serious undercover officer. Her job is not an easy one, and people around her are not who they appear to be. Will Gage come back for Jazz, or will he be lost to her forever? Will she crack the case on her own? Read as this courageous upstart stumbles through another adventure.

Book Information

  • Release Date: July 7, 2020
  • Publisher: 6K Publishing
  • Soft Cover: ISBN: 979-8655914537; 220 pages; $10.99; E-Book, $2.99
  • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rWQ0vc

Book Excerpt

Prologue

“When you think about it, I really only need one hostage,” he said as he put his hand on the small of my back and gave me a gentle shove. The helicopter was in the air, and I fell helplessly into the clouds. I grabbed hold of the landing skid and dangled above the water. We were not quite high enough yet that I would turn to dust if I were to drop. “Let go!” he shouted from below. I saw Gage take off his boots and put his wallet next to them on the ground. “Jasmine, jump!”

            I saw him dive into the water, and I let go. This was the most terrifying thing I had ever done. As I hit the water, two strong arms reached for me and pulled me up as I plunged powerlessly into the deep. I held my breath, but I didn’t have much air left. He pulled me up so that I could breathe, and I grabbed hold of his neck. “I’ve got you, Jazz. You’re okay.”

            He turned me so that I could hold onto his neck from behind, and he swam to the shore. The helicopter, which was holding my dad tied up and gagged, was long gone. When we got to the shore, Hector, Gage’s boss, was standing there. He pulled me out of the water, and Gage followed. “Good job,” Hector said to me. “You’re very brave.”

            I watched Gage grab his wallet, cigarettes, and shoes. “You need to quit,” I said. “They’re no good for you.”

            He pulled out a smoke and lit the tip, taking a deep pull off his cigarette. “Someday,” he answered. “Unfortunately, we often want what is no good for us.” I knew to what he was referring, but I let it go. Although you might think that the smell of the cigarette would fill the air, there was an engaging male scent radiating off of Gage that made me almost forget my name.

Suddenly, I realized that Hector was gone. “Where did Hector go? Where’s my mom?”

            “They went after the helicopter, Jazz. I don’t think she’s coming back this time.”

            My mom abandoned my dad and me years ago. They both worked for the FBI, and she never seemed to be able to balance her job and her family. Hector was in charge of all their destinies. As delightfully delicious as Hector was, I always resented him for taking her away. It was my goal to be a cop someday and wipe out organized crime just so people like the ones my parents fought daily would go out of business for good. Of course, I realized how unrealistic that was.

            “I started my own team. You must remember me mentioning that to you,” he said.

            “Yes, Storm. That’s what you call it.”

            We stepped over to his jeep. He reached in and handed me a towel. I began to dry my face and hair with it, as he did the same with his own. Gage was a storm all by himself. He was tall, well-built, and had smoldering dark eyes. His hair fell just below his ears, and I can remember how soft it was when I last ran my fingers through it.

            “I’m not just working for the FBI this time. I have a job out of the country. I’m going to find someone’s daughter who was taken by terrorists.”

            My stomach churned as he opened the door to the jeep, and I hopped inside. “Don’t leave me, Gage,” I said, as my soaking wet body leaked all over his vinyl car seats.

            I reached up for his face, but he grabbed my hand. “We’ve been through this. You’re too young, Jasmine.”

            “Gage, I am 19 years old. I’m old enough.”

            “I’m 27, Jazz. You’re too young for me.”

            That stung. I was waiting for Gage to the be the one for me. I didn’t want anyone else, and even though he may think of me as too young for him, I felt the ache in his eyes. We heard a gunshot, and Gage pushed me down onto the floor of his jeep. He jumped into the driver’s side and took off down the road. “What’s happening?” I asked. “Who’s here?”

            “Someone realized you were still breathing, princess. Put your head down.”

            I stayed down on the floor of the jeep as a bullet hit the windshield shattering the glass. I tried so hard to be brave, but I could barely hold it together. I heard Gage give our location and situation out on a radio. It was only a few moments before everything got quiet. “I lost them,” he said.

“This is all related to my parents, isn’t it.”

            “You know I can’t tell you that.”

            “And the terrorists. Who are they? Who’s the girl?”
            He pulled the jeep over to the side of the road and sighed before looking at me. “Jazz,” he said, putting his hand on the side of my face. “Don’t wait for me. I won’t be back. Do you understand what I’m saying? I’m no good for you. Forget me.”

            He grabbed his towel and brushed the glass off the passenger’s seat. Then he held out his hand for me to take, and he pulled me up off of the floor. I sat uncomfortably and refused to meet his eyes. He wanted me to discard him like a pack of cigarettes. I knew he was no good for me, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about him. I didn’t say anything. Clearly, my efforts were futile.

            He put his hand back on the steering wheel, put the jeep back in gear, and we drove down the highway. “Don’t make me come back just to check on you,” he said. “Behave yourself. Move forward. Forget about me.”

                                                                            *****

I waited for him. I anticipated his return. I am now 24 years old, and he didn’t come back in time … or did he? This is my story. Let the ride begin.

About the Author

Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a master’s degree in English. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Services, is an English teacher at a local high school, and an adjunct professor at a local junior college. Judy writes romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and Mafia romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, Ivy Vines Visions, and Unorganized Crime. Although originally from New York, she lives in Texas with her husband and near her four boys. In her spare time, Judy plays guitar and sings at her church, and dotes on her fur babies. 

You can visit her website at https://www.judyserrano.com/ or connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

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Superhero Or Villain – Hardcore Kelli by Wrath James White #Wrathjaeswhite

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Hardcore Kelli

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Hardcore Kelli is my first foray into Wrath James White’s world and, even though it is a novella, it rocked my world and has stuck with me, leaving me wanting more. I love reading off the wall, twisted works and Wrath supplied me with a few hours of reading entertainment. I thought it would have a three rating, but seeing I can’t get it out of my head that seemed so wrong, so four it is.

Katy is a boxer, with a losing record. A garden variety type. She only did it for the money. Her world changed when she was introduced to Hardcore Kelli by her sister, Samantha. I love her. I couldn’t help but smile and laugh, until the story took an ugly turn, one I never saw coming.

If you love a quirky tale, with blood, guts, and gore, this could be for you.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Harcore Kelli by Wrath James White.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Bullets whizzed past Katy as she dashed through the grass and weeds, and the maze of broken recreational vehicles, farm equipment, and other slowly oxidizing junk. She gripped the gleaming battle axe in both hands as she waded through gunfire, determined to reach her archnemesis and end his reign of terror forever. Murder Man stood in the doorway of the rundown mobile home, firing at will. She had found his lair. Now it was time to bring him to justice.

Katy hurdled the rusting skeleton of an old ’77 Ford Thunderbird like an Olympic gymnast. She had once been a cheerleader, a good one. Once upon a time she could do flips, handsprings, and somersaults with ease. That was so long ago it felt more like an ancient story from some dusty old history book than something that had actually occurred in her lifetime.

Like someone else’s life…

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Giveaway – Kiss Of Darkness by Taylor Aston White @Tayastonwhite @XpressoTours

Kiss of Darkness
Taylor Aston White
(Curse of the Guardians, #1)
Publication date: May 5th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

He despises her… almost as much as his beast craves her.

Kyra’s seen and survived the worst things imaginable, all because of the magic she was born with. Trapped by her secret, she has no choice but to serve Councilman Gallagher or risk everything she has tried so hard to build. Because despite black magic being banned, her very survival depends on it.

When she’s commanded to summon a Daemon, a Breed notorious for their corruption and brutality, she’s torn between keeping her secret and doing the right thing.

Xander’s hate for black witches was notorious, but nothing frustrated him more than the one witch that brings trouble with a capital T. With dark amber eyes, and a controlled strength that fascinated his beast – the monster he’s cursed to share a soul – Xander will do anything to push her away.

So when he’s forced into protecting her, he must put aside his prejudice and ignore his growing desire that’s an insult to his past.

Because he’s had an entire childhood to remember why you can’t trust black witches.

And he definitely can’t trust Kyra Farzan.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“Little girls shouldn’t be here.” A hand struck out, carefully circling her wrist with enough pressure to stop her, but not enough to hurt.

Kyra paused, the coin at the edge of the slot. She looked up, and Xander removed his sunglasses.

“That’s a rude comment,” she said, trying to tug from his grasp.

His mouth twisted, pale eyes narrowed as he released her wrist, only to grip her jaw. He angled her face against the light, her lip stinging when she frowned.

“What are you doing here, Kyra?” His white silver hair, just long enough to cover his unusually dark brows moved across his forehead, partially concealing his expression.

“Minding my own business!” she snapped, but the steel behind her reply lessened when she met his eyes, and flinched. “Don’t touch me.” The words came out quiet, desperate. His eyes had been blue, she was sure of it, yet she could see her own reflection in his irises made from a liquid silver.

His fingers opened, and she stumbled back, breathing heavily. She needed to get out of there before she suffered a full panic attack. Xander was just too much, his gaze too direct as she tried to look anywhere but him.

“Black witch,” he grunted, as if she were tainted.

Which she wasn’t, but she couldn’t explain why he was wrong. He wouldn’t care either way, his opinion on her already set in stone, and had been since they first met. Black witches were seen as evil because of their ability to gain power from death, and while many embraced that sordid side of magic it didn’t mean they were all evil. It did, however, make them illegal.

Ignoring him, or at least trying to as he seemed to press himself closer, always pushing her boundaries, she inserted the Ravyn into the slot, the portal opening with a flash of light. He said nothing as she stepped through, the package hugged tight to her chest, and as soon as the portal closed behind her she released a sigh of relief.

Author Bio:

Taylor Aston White loves to explore mythology and European faerie tales to create her own, modern magic world. She collects crystals, house plants and dark lipstick, and has two young children who like to ‘help’ with her writing by slamming their hands across the keyboard.

After working several uncreative jobs and one super creative one, she decided to become a full-time author and now spends the majority of her time between her children and writing the weird and wonderful stories that pop into her head.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub


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Sherry’s Shelves 5.1 – 5.7.22

Hi Everyone. Hope you had a great week. I stuck these bulbs over in the corner and planned on planting them this year, but….

May be an image of flower

We always have our friendly lizards hanging around.

We went to Fort Pickens to watch the Blue Angels.

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and outdoors
May be an image of aircraft and outdoors
May be an image of wading bird, nature and body of water
May be an image of body of water
May be an image of sunglasses, nature and body of water

IA margarita and taco salad for Cinco De Mayo. MMMMMMMMMM.

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Stay safe and wear a mask..

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

COMING UP ON fundinmental

  • Sherry’s Shelves
  • Giveaway – The Omen of Crows by Cathrina Constantine
  • Giveaway – Kiss of Darkness by Taylor Aston White
  • Superhero Or Villain – Hardcore Kelli by Wrath James White
  • Giveaway & Review – Unorganized Crime by Judy Serrano
  • Giveaway – Eating These Foods Makes Me… by Kalifa Rodriguez
  • Giveaway – Oathbreaker by River Starr
  • Review – Desecrated Essence by C A Rene
  • Review – Don’t Go ‘Beyond The Creek’ by Nico Bell
  • Giveaway – Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder by Mary Cunningham
  • Review – Time Killer by Todd M Thiede
  • Tackling The TBR
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Giveaway – The Omen Of Crows Nest by Cathrina Constantine @cathconstantine @XpressoTours

The Omen of Crows Nest
Cathrina Constantine
Publication date: May 4th 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

No blood. No body. No murder.

That’s what the police found after Penelope spun her bizarre tale. In a hysterical state, she said her father was butchered and eaten by a mob of birds ~ in her bedroom.

They claim she’s crazy.
That she suffers from delusions.
Penelope is dead set on proving them wrong.

After being institutionalized for eight months, Penelope is out and more determined than ever to find answers to her so-called hallucinations. With her father’s untimely disappearance, she’s convinced her family is hiding something sinister.

THE OMEN OF CROWS NEST is the latest masterpiece by the award-winning author Cathrina Constantine, and is sure to leave fans of fantasy gasping!

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

The electrodes in my brain were like a loop recorder, continuously dredging up the past. And problematic for the psychiatrist at Green Fields Sanitarium, who was in the process of rewiring me.

Bear with me as I digress: I witnessed the gruesome death of my father by a mob of birds. I know what you’re picturing: A scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s horror movie The Birds. Not exactly like the movie, it happened in my bedroom. An aberration that my brain conjured, so they say.

Gramma had reinforced Dad’s untimely disappearance to the police. After the thunderstorm he’d raced to catch a late flight. An overseas business trip. Lacking evidence of any misdeeds, no mutilations as I’d described, the police had nothing to go on besides a batshit crazy kid. I experienced a daymare, a delusion, and it hadn’t been the first time, so said Gramma.

Afterward, Mom spent a week in bed, purporting she had a bug. She couldn’t keep anything down and stopped eating. I noticed her yellowy sick skin and hair matted as if a brush hadn’t made contact in weeks.

Thirteen days passed at a snail’s pace since that night. I was in the library’s alcove, my daily vigil, half-expecting Dad to come strolling up the cobbled walkway. My fretfulness heightening because I’d spilled my guts to my best friend, Hillary, telling her everything. If she repeated it to anyone, the repercussions would come back to bite me.

Author Bio:

I am blessed with a loving family and forever friends. My world revolves around them.

I grew up in the small village of Lancaster, NY, where I married my sweetheart. I’m devoted to raising 5 cherished children, and now my grandchildren.

I love to immerse myself in great books of every kind of genre, which helps me to write purely for entertainment, and hopefully to inspire readers. When not stationed at my computer you can find me in the woods taking long walks with my dog.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub


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Tackling The TBR 4.30 – 5.6.22

I got the idea and the motivation to start doing Tackling The TBR from All The Book Blog Names Are Taken. It has helped me to keep track of my reading shelf as far as current events and I also started doing a post for Books From The Backlog, from Carole’s Random Life in Books, to tidy up my shelves. I feel better about my out of control TBR and have even knocked off a couple of those old ones that had been hanging around for years.

COME ON….JOIN IN.

Previous Total: 2132

Currently Reading

Protected in Darkness (In Darkness #2.5; Special Forces: Operation Alpha)

Books Read

The Galston House

Books Added

Modern Day Cowboy: The Making of a Gunfighter

The goodreads givaway is still going on HERE.

Bad Girls Drink Blood

Goodreads giveaway HERE.

Better Off Dead (Jack Reacher #26)

Goodreads giveaway HERE.

The Crush

Books DNF-ed: 0

Books Deleted: 2

Duplicates Removed: 3

New TBR Total: 2129

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!