Portals – Enter at Your own Risk – Review and Giveaway

Posted on June 26, 2014 by fundinmental

Take a gander at this beautiful cover and tell me, does it make you want to enter the portal?

Are you curious about what’s on the other side? Come with me and let’s see.

Six fantasy shorts by six wonderful authors.

Portals

Genre: Fantasy Anthology (mixed sub genres)

Release Date: June 5, 2014

Keywords: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories, Picture Prompt

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MY REVIEW

Each story allows you to enter a portal and travel to other dimensions, other worlds. There are dragons, legends and quests, and magical creatures abound. Even though they were all about portals, doorways to other worlds, they all had unique individuals with stories of their very own. I enjoyed each and every story. It amazes me that so much fun, suspense and tension can be created in short stories such as these. As I came to the end of each one, I felt a little let down. I wanted the stories to continue. ^_^

I rated Portals as a whole, then each story separately.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos Easy peasy, a solid 4 Stars – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I received an ARC copy for review in conjunction with a tour.

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Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas

I love dragons. I laughed on the very first page – men! Would she battle the dragon? Would she step through the Portal of Life and meet her mate while on a quest? Is the Portal of Life a blessing or a curse? Maronda will find out. It is her eighteenth birthday and life as she knows it will change. Today is the day. It twisted here, there and everywhere. I always love a good dragon story, throw in some love story and a quest, what more can you ask for? Love it. 4

Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea

Mary Anne, a dryad, loved slipping back and forth through the portal even though she wasn’t supposed to. My job was to convince her, and all the other fae, to go back where they belong. I am a troll and I deal with supernatural creatures of all forms. I am a guardian of the worlds. There has to be order in the world, no matter what. But sometimes things are not as they seem. Can you hear the wail of the banshee? Another story with twists I didn’t see coming. After all it is fiction, so we can be what ever we want. Who says we have to follow the same road as everyone else. Love it. 4

Mexmur: The Huntress by Anna Simpson

The marks above the archway say that the portal will open below two moons. But if they think I will let them sacrifice me, they have another thing coming. They need to think again. My journey began when the foot pushed me through the portal. I love dragons and legends and Mexmur has both! And a quest for the Huntress. She is strong, spirited and the hunter’s daughter, so I have every confidence that she will succeed. Love it. 4

Where Once Were Hearts by Havva Murat

Bartholomew went through the gate heading to his Uncle’s manor to mooch off him. Was he wrong? Well….he sure didn’t count on her. She could have been Satan’s mistress. He found her dead and gave her a mechanical heart, with the help of some magic. Sufficiently creepy. There is plenty of horror, steampunk and romance in this short story. Love it. 4

Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy

People were afraid of you if you were different. They can be cruel and dangerous. My question is, who or what is my new neighbor? It is right before Halloween, so I think we can see where this is heading. Just because her name is Salem didn’t mean she was a witch, even though her family Bible was the Grimoire. Or did it? Curiosity would cause her to see the portal, she knew from reading what it was. Of course she would end upon the other side, even though we all know she shouldn’t. Love it. 4

The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano

Their world was dying. They had seen only darkness for more than a year. The land was dying. They were starving. Pavel and Tamara were going to risk it all to save everyone, but they would only have one shot at it. The characters were brave, overlooking their fear, knowing they had nothing to lose. So their journey through the portal began. Would their determination prevail? It was filled with all the scariness you can imagine in the supernatural world. Love it. 4

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Description

No matter what world you call home, or what your station in life, there are just some paths that weren’t meant to be tread.

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Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy

Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches.

Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?.

Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas

The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.

Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.

In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision..

Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson

Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal.

Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade..

Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea

A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?

And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl…or saving her from something else?.

Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat

After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.

Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?.

The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano

The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.

Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.

Purchase Links

Will be sent as soon as they’re available

Tour Schedule

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway

Paperback copy of Portals and a $10 Amazon gift card.

Ends 7/03/2014

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing’s marketing department.

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Look on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Circle of Dishonor by Carla Swafford – Book Blast Giveaway

Posted on June 26, 2014 by fundinmental

I wanted to participate in the tour for Circle of Dishonor because of the title and the blurb.

I thought it would be action packed – and it is.

Circle of Dishonor is an erotic novella that will introduce you to The Circle Series.

John “Ice” Takahashi’s final job for The Circle has an unexpected hitch in it; he’s fallen for an innocent civilian and his enemies know it. With his mission in a shambles, he’ll do anything to protect her, including kill. So how can a man without honor prove he’s worthy of her love?

Lena Matthews feels like she’s playing with fire by dating the mysterious Master J. He’s exotic, dangerous, and exactly what she needs in her boring life. With the bad guys bearing down on them, she discovers a whole new world of sensuality that binds her heart to his forever.

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MY REVIEW

Circle of Dishonor is a erotic novella. As a novella, the story is laying the groundwork for future stories, so I allowed for that in my rating. I did not expect the whole story and felt the novella accomplished its goal – I want to read more about him and her.

People’s eyes are drawn to him when he enters a room, not just because of his looks but the aura that surrounds him. He has a southern accent that can fool people into believing he’s something he’s not.

Lena was taking tai chi classes, but could not overcome her clumsiness. What could she say? She is a klutz. She was easy going but restrained.

She had been watching John for weeks. She would sit at the coffee shop, pretending to look at her computer as she watched him through the window. His body is poetry in motion as he performs his tae kwan do routine.

But today was different. He approached her at the coffee shop. As they talked over a cup of tea, he knew she belonged to him.

I don’t know if he’s good or bad, I’m thinking he’s a good man, but a bad boy. Ya know what I mean? I guess it’s not really love at first sight, considering they have been watching each other for weeks and he really is more than he seems to be. A lot of people will find her actions totally unbelievable, but you would be surprised what happens in the real world.

I love when books take place in locations I am familiar with. After being attacked, they end up staying at his beach house in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area, right around the corner from me and places I visit often. It’s not long until they are found. I can visualize the events taking place in the house and on the beach as they struggle to survive.

I figured from the cover the book would be HOT. It sure is! I grabbed the book because of the blurb. I found the novella had a lot of action, but I was hoping it would be more of the fighting kind, than the sex kind. I did find the need to read straight through to see how it would end. It took me 65 minutes. I enjoyed the read and I know erotica lovers will want this on their reading list.

I received an ebook in return for an honest and unbiased review for the tour.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars – Would Recommend To Others

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EXCERPT

Lena Matthews felt like a perverted voyeur.

Sitting in a coffee shop across the courtyard from the martial arts studio’s glass storefront, she stared at the tae kwon do class as they kicked and jabbed. Most of the students wore white pajama-like uniforms, except for the teacher. He stood out in black with his shaggy dark hair and ripped body. The man looked good enough to lick.

For the last five weeks after her tai chi class, she’d claimed the same chair and watched his every move. Behind her, others in the coffee shop chatted about the class and the mysterious man leading it.

From what she’d overheard, his name was John Takahashi, and the students called him Master J.

Master? Oh, yeah. She could imagine he’d master many things. With his strong hands and long muscled arms and legs, he likely controlled any situation or person. He could easily lift and hold her against the wall as he stroked her to a climax. She whimpered and squeezed her knees together.

A shake of her head knocked out the dirty thoughts racing through her mind. She knew better. He’d never be attracted to an ordinary person like her. The woman he chose would be totally the opposite of her: young, athletic with honey blonde hair. Lena was about as interesting as watching bread turn to toast.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carla Swafford is a lithe twenty-nine year old with long auburn hair and sparkling dark eyes who loves dancing with her gypsy friends. Geez! Can you tell I love writing fiction? Now for the real stuff: I’m married to my high school sweetheart and live in Alabama. I swear my stories are more exciting.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / iBooks

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Click here to get your copy of Circle of Dishonor by Carla Swafford

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GIVEAWAY

Carla will award one copy of CIRCLE OF DISHONOR at every stop to a randomly drawn commenter, and a $25 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly chosen winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Please click the banner to see the other stops on this tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found by clicking on the image below:

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

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Sherry’s Shelves #9 – Thrills & Chills

Posted on June 25, 2014 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #4 is my weekly update, where I will recap what I have been doing the past week: June 15 – June 21, 2014.

Sunday Post is Hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Stacking the Shelves is Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Bought, Borrowed and Bagged is Hosted by TalkSupe

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

***if listed as free, please check for the “0″***

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Picked up for FREE

OK! I admit it. I am out of control. I’d have to be a vampire to read all the books on my TBR and I keep adding more. What about you?

There were so many books that sounded so good, I had to have them. I hope you find something you like too. Let me know.

A Demon and his Witch by Eve Langlais

In celebration of her new release, Hell’s Kitty, Eve is offering the first book in the series, A Demon and his Witch by Eve Langlais, for free until the end of June.

Thank you I Smell Sheep for sharing this.

Blood of the King by Bruce Blake

The book was still free at time of posting. Click on the cover to get your copy.

The Island (The Island #1) by Jen Minkman

I have a passion for water, so just looking at this cover made me want it. I read the blurb and I was even more interested.

The book was still free at time of posting. Click on the cover to get your copy.

Full Moon Over Cedar Hill by Edward Lorn

Edward Lorn writes some seriously creep books.

I saw this on fuonlyknew, who showcases all of Edward Lorn’s books.

Just check out this awesome cover, then click to get your free copy.

Savannah Project by Chuck Barrett

The book was free at time of posting. Click on the cover to get your copy.

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Received for Review

Beyond Time (Time Shifters Book #1) by Laura N Anile

I helped promote this new release and the author was kind enough to send me a copy for review. Be sure and check back.

Joe by H D Gordon

H D Gordon is the author of several supernatural/paranormal series that you may want to check out.

I love her work and look forward to reviewing Joe.

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WON

The Night of Elisa

I won the unillustrated book from Fire and Ice Book Tours, but the illustrated version is free on Amazon at the time of this posting, so I picked that one up.

Thank you and I look forward to reading The Night of Elisa.

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Last week on fundinmental

The aliens have landed – Against the Darkness, the Cimmerian Moon series by A M Griffin

Sherry’s Shelves #8 – Out of Control

Tour for Along the Watchtower by David Litwack – Guest Post & $100 Giveaway

Cover Reveal for Shrouded in Blackness by Norma Jeanne Karlsson

Casey Keen is on tour with The Anna Wolfe Series with Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Can the Wind be Evil? – The Windkeeper Series by Anna Hackett

Friday 56 #13 – True Crime – Dark Deeds by Susan Fleet

“KILLER COVERS” for the Unknown Assassin Series by Allen Zadoff

Need a Kindle, Want an Amazon Gift Card, or How about some Paypal Cash?

Mini Review – Kingdom by Anderson O’Donnell

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This week on fundinmental

I never know what might pop up, so upcoming events are always subject to change.

I will also be doing some of the memes that I love so much.

Freebie and Review for Dark Deeds by Susan Fleet

Underground Mafia is all Female – Butterflies Wake by Arlene Lagos

Hope goes to Monster Hunting School – Killer Instinct Tour and Giveaway

Dark Mountain by C B Pratt

Teaser Tuesday #14 – Zombies Run AMOK

By saving themselves, will they save Amy – Final Mend by Angela Smith – Tour & Giveaway

Sherry’s Shelves #9

Circle of Dishonor by Carla Swafford – Book Blast Giveaway

Portals – Enter at Your own Risk – Review and Giveaway

Freakin Friday #17 Mini Review for Welcome to Hell by Demelza Carlton

A fallen siren and an FBI werewolf – Captured

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

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By saving themselves, will they save Amy – Final Mend by Angela Smith – Tour & Giveaway

Posted on June 25, 2014 by fundinmental

The cover for Final Mend by Angela Smith is so tranquil and serene, I could not help but be captured by it.

What do you think of when gazing at the beautiful cover?

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SYNOPSIS

A recovering alcoholic, Jake Inman has found a new, healthier addiction: training for his successful triathlon career. But when his manager is murdered and beloved goddaughter kidnapped, another obsession takes hold: doing whatever it takes to find Brandon’s killer and keep Amy safe. Jake turns to a private investigator for help in solving the case, and though he finds temptation in her whiskey-colored eyes, he knows he must resist his attraction, or risk losing his heart.

After a devastating case, Winona Wall has turned her back on her skills as a private investigator, preferring a quiet life as a part-time bartender. That is, until Jake storms into the bar, demanding her help in tracking his missing godchild. Unable to resist Jake’s charm, she reluctantly agrees. But even after Amy is found unharmed, Jake insists Amy’s mother was more involved with her kidnapping than the police suspect. When the situation takes a turn for the worse, Winona must trust her instincts in order to save them all – and avoid falling in love.

AMAZON

EXCERPT

Tanyon, Montana, was a small jewel of a town towered by mountains and tucked into a corner of heaven. The sun descended, bruising the sky with dew-covered gold and plum. Green pines rose steadily upward, reaching for an eternity they’d never see.

Brandon had owned a cabin in the woods about an hour away. Though he and Jake had never driven into this town, they’d visited the cabin often to hunt and fish. The colors in this part of the world seemed more vibrant than any other place Jake had ever visited, but now that vibrancy only pissed him off.

They’d never fish at that old cabin again. Brandon was dead. His fishing days over.

Jake drove into 301 Torrey Lane and parked, eyeing a beer sign with cold dread. He’d left home this morning at two a.m. and driven half a day to reach Tanyon. He’d spent the next two hours searching for a woman named Winona and hadn’t even thought to ask where he was headed when he’d finally gotten an address for her. All he knew was that Winona had been recommended by several private investigators who couldn’t take his case. She was supposed to be the best.

She worked in a bar. When he’d heard the place’s name—Air Dog—he’d thought it might be a ski shop or something.

“Fuck.” Jake slammed his palms into the steering wheel and listened as the engine rumbled in his gut.

His pulse pounded as the beer sign blinked, taunting him. He sat a moment, his hands gripping the wheel. Breathing in and out and daring the tears to leave. He hadn’t needed adrink in several years, but the ache razed through him. Just one shot to burn his throat and channel his adrenaline into a steady stream of unconsciousness.

It was a twisted, fucked up fate. An omen. The universe was hell-bent on destroying him and this time it might win. All along Brandon had been his advocate for giving up the drink, but Brandon was dead and the one woman who might help him worked in a bar.

Thirst for an icy cold drink overtook common sense. His head spun as he fought off the need for the stimulant that could drown his sorrows.

He couldn’t go in there. Not without caving.

Fuck it. His cousin, the one who’d pulled him out of the alcoholic funk he’d been in half his adult life, had been murdered in his own home. What good had fancy living gotten him? Jake deserved a drink.

No, Brandon wouldn’t approve. So he’d go in, sit at the bar, and have a glass of water, proving he could do it without giving in. Or tonic water. That held a bite that would mimic alcohol’s sting.

He had to talk to Winona and since he wanted to rest his road-weary body, this would provide the perfect backdrop for both. And sitting in a dark bar with low music and alcohol bottles would confirm his strength. Strength Brandon had insisted he had if he’d steer clear of temptation. They’d even visited bars—several times, to prove he had the strength—but Brandon had always been with him.

Brandon had looked up to Jake in his younger days, and once Jake’s parents had died and Jake had crashed into a headlong flurry of destruction, Brandon admitted he had to do something. He’d coaxed him, dared him, persuaded him, bribed him, but the thing that finally worked for Jake was his near death and respect for his remaining family. Brandon was about to be a father, and Jake didn’t want his new godchild to see him destroy himself. For once in his life, he wanted to be a good influence on someone. He traded one addiction for another: triathlons. A journey that had saved him. He opened the truck and jumped down, slamming the door behind him in a crash of nerves and uncertainty. Could he do this?

He opened the door. The bar didn’t greet him with smoke and dreariness. Instead, it was muted and pleasant, with sounds of chatter and low music. It wasn’t crowded. Neither was it too high-end to feel unwelcome or too trashy to feel uncomfortable.

It was perfect, actually, and so was the woman standing behind the bar.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

During her senior year in high school, Angela Smith was dubbed most likely to write a novel, and that has been her dream ever since her mother read ‘Brer Rabbit’ to her and her sister so often that they were able to recite it back to each other before they learned to read. Ever since then, she hasn’t stopped reading or writing. A certified paralegal, work gives her perfect fodder for her romantic suspense stories. When not caring for her small farm or spending time with her husband of two decades, she enjoys creating, reading, and dreaming of the places she’ll visit one day.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

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Click on the cover to get your Amazon copy of Final Mend by Angela Smith.

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GIVEAWAY

Paperback or Ebook of FINAL MEND

Show some love for Angela Smith by commenting on the cover, excerpt, synopsis or just say hi.

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 at Home and let’s talk.

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Teaser Tuesday #14 – Zombies Run AMOK

Posted on June 24, 2014 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page.

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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UNFED (The Killer Sequel to UNDEAD) by Kirsty McKay

I am not sure where I got this ARC copy fo Unfed by Kirsty McKay, but I am enjoying the fun and gruesome ride with Bobby and her friends, as they travel through zombie infested territory.

The cover is fun and creepy.

(Click on the cover to get your copy)

My Tease

As we reach the top, we see a giant zombie playpen below, filled with lumbering bodies.

They see us and flood toward the barricade, roaring. Some are able to climb the first few feet up, using each other for support, looking for the best route, working it out. They reach up to us, anger on their faces, screaming, spitting, popping sinew and wrenching muscle to try and get to us.

Smitty shakes shis head, shouting above the cacophony. “What happened to them?”

“Told you,” I say. “They’re clever now. And wicked hungry.”

Synopsis

The good news: Bobby survived her Undead school trip. Bad news: her best mate, Smitty, is missing. Bobby knows she’s got to find him even if it means risking it all and going out into the starving-zombie-infested wastelands again. Even if it means taking fellow survivors including a couple of old frenemies along for the ride. And even if the zombies are not the only ones who are chasing them this time

Click on the cover to get your Amazon copy now.

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

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Dark Mountain by C B Pratt

Posted on June 24, 2014 by fundinmental

Dark Mountain by C B Pratt has a cover and blurb that makes me think this is going to be a great adventure with assassin, Eno the Thracian.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Got monsters? You need Eno the Thracian! He’s the guy with the answer to your problems, whether they’re as small as a dragonet you need moved to the other side of the mountain or as big as a minotaur wreaking havoc in your palace. He can train your youth for battle, cure your vizier of fatal ambition, or slay hydras (up to seven heads only, please).

As you may know, there’s a serious hero shortage in Greece at the moment. Most of the more famous heroes have heeded their ancient promises and gone to help out one side or the other in the Trojan War. But the need for heroes hasn’t lessened since the war; if anything it has increased. More monsters than ever are appearing in our blessed islands. If you’re one of the unlucky ones beset by strange beasts, summon Eno the Thracian.

Swift sword…reasonable rates.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.B. Pratt is a multi-published author, both traditionally and independently.

She lives in Orlando, Florida, not far from the Mouse Empire.

Website / Facebook / Google+ / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

You can get your Amazon copy of Dark Mountain by C B Pratt, by clicking on the cover.

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

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Hope goes to Monster Hunting School – Killer’s Instinct Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 24, 2014 by fundinmental

Welcome to the Official Blast for KILLER’S INSTINCT by Dawn Dalton & Judith Graves

I wanted so badly to review this book, but time did not allow it.

I hope you enjoy the book trailer and synopsis. Be sure to enter the giveaway!

KILLER’S INSTINCT

Author: Dawn Dalton & Judith Graves

Genre: Young Adult/Paranormal Publisher: Leap Booksyoung

Where there is NO life – there’s HOPE.

Hope sees beyond the veil to where the dead walk among the living — creepy flashes from a never-ending macabre dream. But when her mother crawls from the grave and her zombified corpse goes MIA, Hope’s last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster hunters seems her best bet for tracking down Mommy-dearest and putting what’s left of her mom to rest. But does Hope have a true killer’s instinct? The stakes are raised when she’s partnered with three unique male recruits, each with their own personal demons to slay if they want to survive basic training. In a place like Le Manoir, all bets are off.

Pick up a print or eBook version right now!

AMAZON

Praise for KILLER’S INSTINCT

“What could be creepier than hunting down your own zombie mommy? And what could be more psychologically satisfying to a teen because…it’s just pretend. Isn’t it? I wanted to squeeze my eyes shut tight and turn away from the sublimely dark and smart Killer’s Instinct. But how could I? A single page in, I was hooked.” — Jacqueline Mitchard, author of What We Lost in the Dark and The Deep End of the Ocean

“Killer’s Instinct by Dawn Dalton and Judith Graces is a clever and fast-paced thriller that raises the bar for monster-hunting tales. Nuanced and well-crafted, this novel is told from the points of view of four distinctly defined young characters—Hyde, the hulk in sheep’s clothing; Kain, the wild card; Caddoc, the unit jock; and Hope, both gifted and cursed with a sixth sense. Hope’s inner strengths and compassion make her a fitting role model for teenage readers, yet her vulnerability renders her a satisfyingly sympathetic heroine. Killer’s Instinct is going to knock other YA monster-battling books off the shelves.” — Gary Braver, bestselling and award-winning author of Tunnel Vision

“Hope sees dead people. It’s her greatest weapon and her ultimate curse. After the death of her father and her mother rising from the grave as a mindless corpse, Hope joins an elite fighting team at Le Manoir, a group of teens trained to deal with all manner of paranormal spooks and baddies. She wants to find what’s left of her mother and put her to rest, but first, she needs to learn how — and she might need some help along the way. Hope is a wonderful heroine, smart savvy, and good with a gun: my favorite kind of kick-asser! The other members of the team kept me on my toes, never quite sure who I could trust and what their true motivations were.” — Sherry Ficklin, author of the Gods of Fate series

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dawn Dalton is the author of creepy young adult fiction. When she isn’t dodging monsters, you can find her at creepy crossroads with her husband and two hounds — you know, just skulking around. Dawn also writes adult thriller, romantic suspense ad contemporary young adult under the last name Ius. She is represented by Mandy Hubbard at D4EO Literary Agency.

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM: DawnDalton

Judith Graves has multiple young adult novels and short stories published with Leap Books, Orca Book Publishers, Compass Press, and, under the pen name, Judith Tewes, is also published with Bloomsbury Spark. In addition, Judith is abscreenwriter and playwright, writes freelance articles for literary magazines, and facilitates writing workshops for both adults and young adults.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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Click on the cover to get your Amazon copy of Killer Instinct by Dawn Dalton and Judith Graves,

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos One lucky winner will get $20.00 Pay Pal Cash and an eBook copy of KILLER’S INSTINCT.

Share the love and leave a comment for the authors.

Open Internationally | Must be 13 + To Enter

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Underground Mafia is all Female – Butterflies Wake by Arlene Lagos

Posted on June 24, 2014 by fundinmental

Butterflies Wake by Arlene Lagos is a Mafia story of a different kind.

I love kickass women and I think there are a lot of them in this book. Hot and deadly.

Check out the fantastic cover and blurb and mark it to read on your Goodreads list.

SUMMARY

An underground female mafia rights the wrongs of an unjust society in this gripping story of everyday women taking matters into their own hands where the justice system has failed. For many years they have worked quietly and gone unnoticed by the world in which they live, until one of them goes missing. The wrong people start asking questions and before they know it, they are in danger of being exposed. How will they save one of their own without putting their organization in danger? Will they be able to remain a secret?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lagos has written poetry, stage plays, screenplays and short stories for over 20 years. In addition to writing the Beyond Earth Series she also has twelve short stories published in the Giant Tales anthology. Her new novel, Butterflies Wake, is coming out on June 24th and will be available in hardcopy and eBook. Lagos currently resides in Massachusetts with her husband and their daughter.

Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Createspace eStore (Link available on June 24th) / Goodreads author page / Amazon Author page / Smashwords Author page (You can now pre-order the eBook for delivery on June 23rd at Midnight EST!)

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Freebie and Review for Dark Deeds by Susan Fleet

Posted on June 23, 2014 by fundinmental

Dark Deeds: Serial killers stalkers and domestic homicides (Book 2)

by Susan Fleet

Stranger than fiction, a collection of 13 true crimes: the victims, the criminals, the bloody consequences. “Fleet immerses us in the world of serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Well researched and well written. A 5 star recommend!” Art Smukler, psychiatrist & author

Dark Deeds (Book 2) is FREE June 23 through June 27, 2014.

Susan Fleet manages to weave her love of music into her suspense/thrillers novels.

Susan also investigates the dark side of human nature world wide. I think she is as curious as I am to know what makes these people tick.

Be aware, be vigilant , because sometimes the monster is right next door.

I love her website, so if this sounds like something you are interested in, check her out at Susan Fleet or Renzi’s Rants.

MY REVIEW

Each chapter features one true crime case – 4 serial killer cases, four stalker cases and four domestic homicide cases, with a special case in Chapter 13 that Susan found difficult to categorize.

Susan tells their life story, including where they are now. At least these ones you don’t need to worry about any more. If they are not dead, they will never walk the streets again.

No one knows how many serial killers are active in the US. Some people think as many as one hundred people are murdered by them each year, but that is not accounting for the ones never found.

(Photo courtesy of Photobucket)

There are many more stalkers than serial killers and domestic homicide is a horrendous problem with most victims being women and children.

In the early years, before special investigation units, computers connecting similar cases in different states and advanced police techniques, who knows how many people could have been saved. We can see the advancement in police procedure has jumped by leaps and bounds.

(Photo courtesy of Photobucket)

Serial killers often have a signature, something that stamps their name on a killing,. It can be how they kill or the trophies they take.

Stalker assassins attack celebrities, presidents and others because they believe they can get away with it. How does a man’s mind work, when he believes, in this day and age, that he can pull a gun on the president and walk away? They are obsessed and believe they are in love. They will become violent when confronted and rejected. California was the first state to pass anti stalking laws in 1990. Looking back, it’s hard to believe we waited so long and why did we? That may be a story in itself.

(Photos courtesy of Susan Fleet’s blog)

I read these type of books, because man’s cruelty and depravity heaped on others for pure enjoyment is very disturbing and I am fascinated (is that the proper word) by the question, why. What makes them tick?

I can never understand how a nurse could kill her patients. The bigger question is how can hospitals and medical management allow it to continue to happen. I think most of us have heard a story or two about a criminal having a long rap sheet and question why nothing was done sooner.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

I watch TV shows, like Criminal Minds (my personal favorite) and CSI, and see where they get their inspiration. I also watch a lot of the true crime shows, like Forensic Files and Cold Case. I have a morbid fascination with murder.

I do believe there is something wrong with these people, but I do not believe an insanity plea should get them off. They know the difference between right and wrong, they just don’t care. Sometimes, I think the justice system is skewed too much in favor of the accused and his rights and the victim is forgotten. After all, they can’t speak for themselves – because they are DEAD.

I cannot understand the binge killings, especially the ones committed by younger people. All the school shootings….I don’t even know what to say. It stuns me. Who are these “people”?

(Photo courtesy of Photobucket)

In some cases, I believe the murders could have been avoided. Some criminals have a rap sheet a mile long and are walking around and breathing air, just like you and me. Is it because we don’t believe anyone is capable of doing something like that or they are as bad as they are. or is the justice system overwhelmed with criminal cases?

Susan has done her research. Each story is told from beginning to end, telling us where these killers are today. She satisfied my curiosity about that. I still wonder, and probably will forever, HOW CAN THEY DO THAT AND WHY?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received Dark Deeds, Book II from Susan Fleet, the author, in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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SYNOPSIS

Dark Deeds-Volume Two contains 12 new true crime cases about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides.Once again, Susan Fleet has researched, written and compiled detailed accounts of twelve true crime cases: four serial killers, four stalkers and four domestic homicides. Chapter 13 involves a case that defies categorization. Some examples …

• Serial killers: The Candy Man loves little boys to death.
• Stalkers: Arthur Bremer and John Hinkley Jr. stalk Presidents.
• Domestic Homicide: A rabbi pays a man to murder his wife.

No one knows how many serial killers are roaming the United States. Some experts believe they murder as many as 180 people each year. Others say the count may be much higher because some serial killers hide the bodies and they’re never found. Stalkers far outnumber serial killers. Each year they threaten and intimidate 3.4 million people in America. Although stalkers may profess love for the objects of their obsession, many seriously injure or kill their “love object.”

Domestic homicide is rampant in the United States. Women and children rarely kill family members; men commit the majority of domestic homicides. Some are crimes of passion. Others are carefully calculated. Why bother with a divorce when you can kill your spouse?

Here’s what Arthur Smukler, MD, psychiatrist and author of Chasing Backwards, a psychological mystery, said about Dark Deeds, Volume One: “In Dark Deeds, Susan Fleet immerses us in the world of serial killers, stalkers, and domestic homicides. An inveterate fiction enthusiast, I found her real-life tales obsessively haunting and educational.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Midway through her successful career as a professional trumpeter and music professor, Susan Fleet discovered her dark side and began writing crime fiction. New Orleans is the setting for her award-winning Frank Renzi mysteries, Absolution, Diva and Natalie’s Revenge. The Premier Book Awards named Absolution Best Mystery-Suspense-Thriller of 2009.

Susan lived in New Orleans for nine years and now divides her time between the Big Easy and Boston. Visit her website and send her an email. She’d love to hear from you! http://www.susanfleet.com

Her other passion is promoting talented women musicians. While teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music, she created a course about female musicians, jazz and classical. Read about them at http://archives.susanfleet.com/

Susan also blogs about crime on DARK DEEDS: serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. http://darkdeeds.susanfleet.com/blog_1.php
And don’t miss RENZI’S RANTS! NOPD Detective Frank Renzi rants about whatever is on his mind! http://darkdeeds.susanfleet.com/blog/renzirants.php

Some of her favorite authors are: Lisa Gardner, Lee Child, Patricia Cornwell, John Sandford, Elmore Leonard, Thomas Perry and Martin Cruz Smith.

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To get your Amazon US copy of Dark Deeds, Book 2, or any other book by Susan Fleet, click on the cover.

Click her for all other Amazon and book buy links or just to say hi to Susan Fleet.

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5 Star Review – Is Winning the Lottery a Curse or a Blessing – Jackpot by Susan Fleet

5 Star Review – Diva by Susan Fleet plus a Free Thriller

5 Star Review – Absolution by Susan Fleet

5 Star Review – Dragon Lady Step Aside For Natalie

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

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Mini Review – Kingdom by Anderson O’Donnell

Posted on June 22, 2014 by fundinmental

Everything about Kingdom by Anderson O’Donnell made me want to read the book. The cover hints at dystopia, but the story goes even deeper – can bioengineers discover and use the soul gene for their own nefarious means? This is a horror story about man’s inhumanity towards mankind. I had a hard time with the book. I could not get invested with the rich druggie, Dylan, nor the scientist looking for redemption, Campbell. The mix of science and religion is one that will probably go on forever as we push the boundaries of morality and ethics. Is the good of many worth more than the life of one when it is your life on the line? Kingdom is a Kirkus Reviews Top 25 Indie Book of 2012, but I could not get into the book and would not recommend it, however, I did like the ending. Maybe it was just me and the moment, so if this sounds interesting to you, be sure and check it out further. Just because it didn’t grab me, doesn’t mean it won’t grab you.

You can pick up your copy or learn more about Anderson O’Donnell by clicking on the cover above.

I won this signed paperback in a giveaway by Fighting Monkey Press. Thank you to the publishers and the author, Anderson O’Donnell. It holds a place on my bookshelf.