Author Archives: fundinmental
2017 Alphabet Reading Challenge Update #ReadingChallenges
Giveaway – Mistress Grim by Jane Redd @heatherbmoore @PrismBookTours
On tour with Prism Book Tours
Review – Angel of Shadow by D H Nevins @dhnevins
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Grand Finale – His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel @TaraRandel @PrismBookTours
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
His One and Only Bride
By Tara Randel
We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:
Launch – Note from the Author
Greetings everyone! I hope you’re settling into the new year. It’s a great time of expectation, hope and looking forward to the surprises and adventures 2018 will bring. I’m excited about the release of my newest Harlequin Heartwarming book, His One and Only Bride. If ever there was a story about fresh starts, this is it.
. . . Hopefully, you’ll enjoy Mitch and Zoe’s journey as they discover what is really important in life.
Happy reading!
— Tara
underneath the covers – Excerpt
“Do you remember where our lockers were?” Mitch asked, thankfully changing the subject.
“I haven’t thought about high school in years.” She looked around to get her bearings. “Down this hallway?”
“Looks right.”
She ran her fingers over the cold metal of the lockers, could still make out the numbers on the doors despite the limited light. “Twenty-three, twenty-four…Here we go. Twenty-five. My old number.”
“Wonder if the combination is the same.”
“Who even recalls those numbers?”
“I do. Yours was ten-fourteen-one.”
She stared at him, incredulous. “How, after all this time, can you rattle off my combination?”
“Certain things are imprinted on my memory.”
It’s All About the Romance – Your Wedding Day…and the Photographer
In His One and Only Bride, Mitch is an injured photojournalist back in the small town where he started his career. He reluctantly embraces the role as the town photographer, covering weddings, family events and studio shots. He quickly discovers he loves weddings and soon becomes the go-to guy in town.
An important and memorable aspect to the overall wedding experience are the pictures commemorating the event. A photographer’s job is to catch the overall joy of the ceremony and the fun of the reception. Much weight is placed on the photographer to catch all these special moments. So as a wedding professional, what are some of the tips of the trade? . . .
Becky on Books – Review
“Finally, an HEA for Zoe! . . .
Though it was frustrating at times to read about the walls these two put up between themselves, both before and during the novel, it did serve to make their ending that much sweeter. A heartwarming side romance between secondary characters and Zoe and Mitch’s absolutely adorable one-year-old son really added to the experience.”
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Excerpt
Mitch expected his wife’s surprise. After all, to her, he’d risen from the dead.
His hand gripped the cane that had become his lifeline. He wanted to heave it over the railing, but that meant lifting an arm that still needed rehab to function properly. Instead of cataloging his injuries, he focused on his shell-shocked wife.
“I don’t understand. We were told…I thought you were…”
“Dead?”
She reached out to place her palms on the deck railing.
“The report was mistaken.”
“But…How…Why?”
Rockin’ Book Reviews – Reviews
“This is a very predictable story but very well-written in a smooth, flowing manor. The characters are easily connected with and the scenes easily visualized.
There were a few twists.” – LAWonder10
“I really enjoyed reading this book. It has suspense, romance and a lot of other fun happenings. . .
I would highly recommend this book to other readers.” – Vickie
Book Lover in Florida – Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
The wedding day can be stressful, but if you plan in advance and cover your bases, the day can go off without a hitch. Here are some tips when hiring a photographer.
The Search
Start your search by getting a list of local photographers and reading reviews from recent newlyweds. Review websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they’ve shot, which will give you an idea of their style. Visit their social media pages. Look for feedback from previous clients. . . .
A Baker’s Perspective – Review
“This was such a fun story to read. . . . But in this story, there was so much more to their separation, not just his job. And that is what makes this story so great. . .
There’s a tenderness you start to see between Zoe and Mitch as the story moves on, and it really does give the reader hope that even amongst the greatest conflict in our lives, there really is a chance to make it all okay. I think romance readers will want to dive right in and see how these characters come together.”
Heidi Reads… – Excerpt
“Come see your son.”
Leaning on the cane, he made his legs move forward. When he came to the side of the crib, he gazed down at the sleeping boy, who had one thumb brushed up against his lips. Mitch’s breath caught and completely left him for a moment.
Zoe moved to give him better access. He stepped closer. Leo’s chest rose as he inhaled and exhaled. Mitch stared, then began taking inventory, like he imagined a father would upon the delivery of his child. Ten fingers and toes. Light colored hair, standing on end. Chunky little legs. Rosy skin. Spiky eyelashes caressing his cheek.
A longing, unlike any he’d ever experienced before in his life, pummeled him. This was his son. His flesh and blood. A miracle.
Locks, Hooks and Books – Review
“His One and Only Bride is part of The Business of Weddings series and my first introduction to Tara Randel’s writing. I thought it was pretty good. It is full of drama and sweetness, with a little bit of mystery. I loved seeing Mitch and Zoe together and kept wondering what would happen next. Such a good heartwarming story.”
Bookworm Lisa – Review
“I enjoyed the emotions in the book. I felt like it captured the characters thoughts and the angst of their relationship. . .
. . . The book has mystery! That is a wonderful bonus for a reader.
If you love second chance romance with a bit of mystery you should pick this one up.”
Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt
“So, what do you think?” she asked.
“I think I can’t wait to get to know him.”
The frown again.
“What?”
“I just can’t picture you staying in Cypress Pointe long enough for any quality time with Leo.”
“My priorities will change.”
“Really?” Disbelief tinged her voice. “For how long?”
Remembrancy – Review
“My second favorite trope in the romance genre (just behind the friends to more theme) is second chance at love. And boy, oh boy, does His One and Only Bride hit that nail on the head. . .
Though this book is the finale of a series, it’s the first one I’ve read and, while I was curious about the supporting cast, I was never taken out of Zoe and Mitch’s search for their true HEA.”
Jorie Loves A Story – Review
“I quite literally moved through this novel with all the emotions stitched inside it – you even get a jolt of an alert realising there is a dearly dangerous ‘suspense’ element lingering just out of sight for you to grasp and hold a breath to see how it will resolve! Meanwhile, the solidarity of the friendships, the humbleness of the character’s journey towards redemption, forgiveness and a second chance at starting over their lives is what grounds you into the background. You want to rally behind these characters because of how earnestly their attempting to right the wrongs of the past whilst owning to the realities of their futures. This is what makes Contemporary Rom engaging as it feels more like a slice of our reality knitted into the foreground of a modern fictional setting.”
I Am A Reader – It All Leads Up To a Day
Weddings are a beautiful event. The dress. The flowers. The reception. But it doesn’t just materialize out of nowhere. So what goes in to planning a wedding? . . .
Reading Is My SuperPower – Review
“His One and Only Bride by Tara Randel is beautifully written with a sweet message & layered characters. Zoe’s hesitancy to welcome Mitch back with open arms is believable and sincere, as is Mitch’s struggle to adjust to life back home with a host of injuries and regret. If you want to renew your belief in the power of love and authentic forgiveness, this is a great choice for your TBR pile!”
Nicole’s Book Musings – Excerpt
Zoe glanced at Mitch’s handsome face. Despite the paleness and general look of exhaustion, she saw real humor light his eyes for the first time since he’d been home.
“I always imagined I’d have to keep an eye on you two. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of don’t-tell-Mom moments in my future.”
“Does that mean you won’t fight me about being active in Leo’s life?”
“Not unless something happens to warrant it.”
Zoe reached out to touch his arm, then pulled back. Touching probably wouldn’t be a good idea. Not yet.
Two Girls and a Book – Review
“There’s a little mystery, a lot of romance and a precious baby named, Leo that made this an enjoyable read. This is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Randel and I was impressed with her writing. I look forward to reading more of her work. This is a clean romance that can be read in a short time.”
Thoughts of a Blonde – Review
“A presumed dead resurrection is always a drama-filled subject that we don’t get to read all that often, so the turmoil it brought forth in this latest book in the Business of Weddings series really packed a punch.
. . . Overall, an emotional read with relatable characters and a strong storyline!”
The Bookworm Chronicles – The Big Event-The History of Weddings
How did this special day of joining yourself to the love of your life come about? Today, we see huge weddings on televisions and in magazines, but how did many of the traditions we love today come about? . . .
Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt
They’d taken a few steps when Mitch stopped.
“Something wrong?”
“This is the place we shared our first kiss.”
Her stomach fluttered. He was right.
With the life-altering events of the past week and watching Mitch’s near-meltdown just a short while ago, Zoe had forgotten. How could she have failed to recall such a momentous event?
“It was junior year.” Mitch grinned at her. “We’d been flirting and I was determined to make us a couple. When I suggested it here, you got all teary, said yes and then I kissed you.”
Okay, if she were truthful, maybe she didn’t want to remember that night. The sweet memory brought a pinch of pain in the vicinity of her heart.
“That was a long time ago.”
“Doesn’t make it any less memorable.”
Inside The Mind of Mind of an Avid Reader – Review
“The emotional turmoil of this book had me from the first chapter. I had to know what happened next. Mitch and Zoe have been through so much. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The depth of this book is so unreal. The mindset of these characters will take your breath away.”
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…
His One and Only Bride
(The Business of Weddings #5)
Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
He never thought he’d see her again!
After being reported missing, presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife, Zoe, again. Yet here he is back in their coastal Florida town, where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.
Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there…
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn’t come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter
Tour Giveaway
– US PRIZE PACK: Signed copies of Rival Hearts, The Bridal Bouquet and The Wedding March, a Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag, a 2018 appointment planner and a $25 Amazon gift card
– US residents only
– Ends January 31st
Giveaway & Review for Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries #RichardJeffries @SDSXXTours
Arachnosaur
by Richard Jeffries
Genre: Horror
I hate spiders. They totally creep me out and I love it, which is why I had to read Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries. lolSoldiers facing off against terrorists. Death, blood, bullets and savagery.
Key struggles to make sense of what was happening to him, a concussion messed with his mind. Could he believe what he was seeing? The squad had been slaughtered. How many were left besides him? He wanted answers.
And….we know something worse is coming his way.
Key and Daniels are opposites, but work well together as a team. Key is methodical and Daniels a bit reckless. Can they save the world from the egomaniacs who think they can control their new weapon? Foolish, foolish men.
I love the combination of military intrigue and giant spiders. So much of it read as if it could be real. The writing was detailed and the action was non stop.
The world…well…I loved to visit it, but don’t want to live there.
I would love to be on their next adventure.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries.
4 Stars
Desert Swarm
After his superior officers are killed in action, Corporal Josiah Key
assumes command of the 3rd Battalion, Marine Raiders. In the tiny
village of Shabhut, Yemen, while trying to put the blast on ISIS
forces, an even deadlier enemy emerges: ancient, unreasoning
creatures who tear into both U.S. troops and terrorists without
mercy, leaving brutally dismembered corpses in their wake.
assumes command of the 3rd Battalion, Marine Raiders. In the tiny
village of Shabhut, Yemen, while trying to put the blast on ISIS
forces, an even deadlier enemy emerges: ancient, unreasoning
creatures who tear into both U.S. troops and terrorists without
mercy, leaving brutally dismembered corpses in their wake.
They are known as the Idmonarchne Brasieri,
giant prehistoric spiders roused from millennia-long slumber by
power-mad terrorists. These aptly-named ‘Arachnosaurs’ are
hungry. They’re angry. And they have declared war against all of
humanity . . . whose days might just be numbered unless Key and his
unit can stop them.
giant prehistoric spiders roused from millennia-long slumber by
power-mad terrorists. These aptly-named ‘Arachnosaurs’ are
hungry. They’re angry. And they have declared war against all of
humanity . . . whose days might just be numbered unless Key and his
unit can stop them.
Richard Jeffries holds
a degree in Creative Writing, obtained before he went to work for
American intelligence. He has seen the world—and things in it—which
inspired the writing of these novels. Now retired from covert ops,
Jeffries divides his time between rural Connecticut and London. In
his spare time he pursues his lifelong interest in Kung Fu and
classical piano.
a degree in Creative Writing, obtained before he went to work for
American intelligence. He has seen the world—and things in it—which
inspired the writing of these novels. Now retired from covert ops,
Jeffries divides his time between rural Connecticut and London. In
his spare time he pursues his lifelong interest in Kung Fu and
classical piano.
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!
for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!
Monday Mini Review – Angel Fall by Susan Ee @Susan_Ee
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Angelfall by Susan Ee is one heavenly story I won from Toi Thomas.
MY REVIEW
I am so glad I won this book because I loved it and I probably never would have found it on my own. The angels brought death, destruction and the apocalypse. Sixteen year old Penryn will team up with Raffe, an angel warrior caught up in angel politics. They will save each other again and again, as they struggle to find a way through the new world they live in. Forbidden love, complex characters and world building full of desperation and danger make me want to now who will be left standing. I was immediately drawn into this dark and desperate world of angel against angel, angel against human, human against angel and human against human, as Penryn and Raffe try to change what’s left of the world they live in.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.
Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.
Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.
Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.
Sherry’s Shelves #145 – Happy New Year
Sherry’s Shelves #145 is my weekly update from January 21 – January 27, 2018.
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- Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
- Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews
- **all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**
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Well, I guess this is my Happy New Year Sunday Post. I don’t know about anyone else, but the flu bug hit me very hard. I was out of it for two weeks and am just beginning to feel human again. I will be getting the flu shot from here on out, even though I hear it is not helping everyone this year.
I’m really glad I had worked hard at blogging ahead, but now I have used most of my posts.
I hope all of you are healthy and happy, looking forward to the new year.
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MAIL CALL
Oh man, alien dinosaurs…I am very excited about winning about winning The Quintaglio Ascension trilogy by Robert Sawyer. I believe there are new covers, but I am very happy with these signed editions.
I couldn’t find how I won No Fury Like That by Lisa de Nikolits, but I look forward to reading it.
I won a signed copy of Cress by Marissa Meyer from a Goodreads giveaway. I had read Cinder and a couple other stories of hers on Wattpad and loved them, so I am very excited to read more.
I added more books, some freebies and some for review, but I just don’t feel up to adding them. Stay well and have a wonderful week.
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LAST WEEK ON fundinmental
- Grand Finale – Falling for a Cowboy by Karen Rock @KarenRock5 @PrismBookTours
- Monday Mini – The Gift by Tegon Maus @TegonMaus
- Giveaway – The Boneseeker Chronicles by Brynn Chapman @rrsmythe @PrismBookTours
- Crimson Dahlia by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks
- Giveaway – Temptation Trials Part II by B Truly @BrandyTruly @XpressoReads
- Giveaway – Elements of Mischief by C M Stunich & Tate James @CMStunich @XpressoReads
- Giveaway – Trouble With Gold by Melinda Dozier @MelindaDozier @BPICPromos
- Giveaway – Scone Cold Killer by Lena Gregory @LenaGregory03 @BPICPromos
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THIS WEEK ON fundinmental
I will definitely be adding more posts, so be sure and check back.
- Sherry’s Shelves
- Giveaway – Stone Cold Killer by Lena Gregory
- Giveaway & Review for Arachnosaur by Richard Jeffries
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What are you doing for fun this weekend?
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Giveaway – Scone Cold Killer by Lena Gregory @LenaGregory03 @BPICPromos
Scone Cold Killer
by Lena Gregory
Series: All Day Breakfast Café Mystery, #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: January 23, 2018
For Florida diner owner Gia Morelli, there’s no such thing as too much breakfast—unless it kills you . . .
When Gia Morelli’s marriage falls apart, she knows it’s time to get out of New York. Her husband was a scam artist who swindled half the millionaires in town, and she doesn’t want to be there when they decide to take revenge. On the spur of the moment, she follows her best friend to a small town in Central Florida, where she braves snakes, bears, and giant spiders to open a cheery little diner called the All-Day Breakfast Café. Owning a restaurant has been her lifelong dream, but it turns into a nightmare the morning she opens her dumpster and finds her ex-husband crammed inside. As the suspect du jour, Gia will have to scramble fast to prove her innocence before a killer orders another cup of murder . . .
Gia nodded as she held the door for Savannah to reenter the shop, then hurried through after her. “I want to make sure everything is perfect for tomorrow. I’ll probably do a lot of the prep tonight.”“So we should swing by the shelter on the way to the house.”
“Shelter?” The glass-domed cake dishes lining the counter distracted her from whatever Savannah was going on about. They’d be perfect to display quiche and breakfast pies, a variety of muffins, and scones. A row of stools allowed for counter seating, which would give her room for an extra ten or twelve customers. She started counting the stools.
“Yeah. Can you believe they just shut down a pet store last week? The animal shelter is overloaded with puppies.”
Her concentration faltered, and she lost count. “Puppies?”
“Yeah.” Savannah grinned.
“You’re getting a puppy?”
“No, you are.”
“Why in the world would I do that?” The thought of a pet was appealing. She’d never had one before, not even as a kid, and the company would be nice, but she’d probably choose something less…intense. Like a fish, or maybe a parakeet.
“For protection.”
Hmm… She hadn’t thought of that. Her ex had left some very angry former clients in his wake, some of whom had pounded on her apartment door and others who had gone into the deli where she worked looking for her on more than one occasion. But surely they wouldn’t find her over a thousand miles away. And, hopefully, whoever had sent the death threats wouldn’t follow through on his promise to hunt her down. Okay…a dog might not be a totally bad idea. “I doubt any of Bradley’s…” The name left a sour taste in her mouth. “Victims would follow me to Florida.”
“Well, you never know. And you’ll be living out at the edge of the forest alone, so you’ll get a dog, because it’ll make me feel better.” She grabbed her bright orange canvas bag from the counter, fished out her car keys, and opened the front door. “Besides, a dog will warn you if there’re any bears around.”
Wait. What! “Bears?”
“Coming?” she tossed over her shoulder with an innocent smile as she walked out.
“Hey,” Gia called, running after her. “You’re kidding about the bears, right?”
Coming June 19
Pre-Order Now!
Book 2: Murder Made to Order
Lena lives in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island with her husband and three children.
When she was growing up, she spent many lazy afternoons on the beach, in the yard, anywhere she could find to curl up with a good book. She loves reading as much now as she did then, but she now enjoys the added pleasure of creating her own stories.
Email: lenagregoryauthor@gmail.com
Giveaway – Trouble With Gold by Melinda Dozier @MelindaDozier @BPICPromos
Trouble With Gold
by Melinda Dozier
Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella
Release Date: November 20, 2017
US snowboarder and notorious prankster, Ty (Trouble) Madsen is only getting a taste of his own medicine when his Olympic teammates shackle him to a fence wearing nothing but his boxers. Reception and protocol volunteer, Nadia Hoffman, gets up close and personal with the sexy snowboarder to rescue him, but she’s not the kind of girl who lets her hormones get in her way. A professional performance could help her land her dream job at Olympics Committee Headquarters, but her new assignment supervising the rambunctious US Snowboarding Team is making that difficult. Can she see behind the snowman in the community center bathroom and into the warm heart of the man everyone calls Trouble?
“Thank God you’re here,” a male’s voice groaned, in English.
Nadia looked across the path toward the stairs ahead of her and saw a very well built, tall man, light brown hair curled around his beanie, with a chiseled chest and tight thighs. Wait a minute. Why could she see his chest and thighs? It was zero degrees Celsius. Why would a man be standing in nothing but his underwear? Her mother always warned her about sickos.
She dug into her purse, searching for her mace – something she carried since her internship in New York last summer. It settled somewhere at the bottom. Great. When she finally needed it, she couldn’t find it.
“Do you mind?” He said, a little louder. “I could use some help.”
“I have mace.” She answered, still searching. “Stay where you are.”
“Not a problem.” He laughed, a deep laugh that sent tingly sensations from head to toe. God, sleep deprivation must be worse than she thought if she had these thoughts about a sicko.
She shook her head and finally held the mace up. The man remained in the same spot. He had a fabulous smile and a few wrinkles at the side of his eyes, from smiling or being out in the sun. He must be an athlete with that tight physique. “Who are you and what are you doing?”
Instead of answering, he let out a laugh all while his teeth chattered. An ache sat in her throat. Poor guy. If his blue lips and frosted hair was any indication, he was beyond cold.
“Are you okay?” She slowly approached the stairs, not sure what the handsome man would do. But, he looked like he was in trouble.
His eyes perused her from top to bottom and then he looked back into her face. “Better now.” He smirked.
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo
Goodreads
Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. You can always find a book in her hands no matter where she is. Melinda is Louisiana born, New Mexico raised, Guatemala adopted, and recently a newcomer to Houston, Texas. So, it’s only natural that her stories take place all across the world. Melinda loves reading, reality TV, traveling, blogging, and playing Words with Friends. Learn more about her at http://booksbymelindadozier.com.
Email: melindaromance@gmail.com