The Gods Have Spoken – Release Day for The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

Posted on February 13, 2014 by fundinmental

THE DEEP END OF THE SEA is a New Adult Fantasy set for release, today, February 13, 2014. You will see the Gods of mythology as you have never seen them before. The Deep End of the Sea is a story of rape, a curse, vengeance, love and sacrifice, one you need to add to your TBR pile!

I wanted so much to share this for my Teaser Tuesday, but because it is a new release, I had to wait until now. I hope you enjoy what I have to share as much as I enjoyed reading the book and writing this review.

A unique and intriguing love story that had me going off the Deep End.

About THE DEEP END OF THE SEA

Cover design: Carl Stevens / Cover Art: Kelsey Patton

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

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My Review of Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

I am the Gorgon, Medusa. And my eyes can turn anything living to stone.

This is my story.

The Deep End of the Sea cover swept me away and I dove in with eagerness. Heather Lyon’s descriptions of the Gods, doing and acting like ordinary people is graphic, detailed and very realistic. I love mythology and The Deep End of the Sea is a unique and refreshing love story that had my full attention from the first page to the last.

Medusa – Poseidon raped her, Athena cursed her and Hermes loved her. Danger surrounded her. She is a gentle soul before being turned into Medusa and that did not change. She loves modern electronics, her only contact with the outside world. She has been exiled to the island of Gorgon for the past two thousand years.

Mikkos is one of her only friends. He is blind, so she does not worry that he will turn to stone when he looks upon The Girls. He sells her temple relics, so she can purchase real everyday items and donate to worthy causes, trying to make up for the deaths she has caused. After freezing a human, I can visualize her moving the statue, trying to find the perfect spot for him. I can’t walk in her shoes because she is so damn nice.

Medusa talks about The Girls, her head of snakes. It is funny and sweet. Especially, I can picture Mikkos being allowed to feed and pet The Girls.

Hermes is Poseiden’s nephew and Athena’s brother. He does errands for Zeus and his uncle, Hades. He is determined to help Medusa have a life. He would talk to his dad, Olympus, and find out what would need to be done to reverse the curse. He shows the lengths “people” will go to to be with their soul mate. Heather Lyons describes it as imprinting, like werewolves do with their mates.

Medusa describes the girls actions – happy, unhappy, disapproving, excited, wriggling and trying to peak out from under the scarf she wears to hide them. Had me smiling and giggling as I develop the picture in my mind.

Heather’s descriptions are so vivid, I can picture Zues in a T-shirt, torn shorts and flip flops. Imagine sitting at a bar, not knowing a God is sitting beside you. It made me laugh out loud as she made their world blend into ours so realistically.

I love her detailed description of butterflies, but I would like for you to experience it yourself, so I will leave that for you to discover, along with so much more wonder in Medusa’s world.

I loved learning of our world through her eyes. Medusa is very knowledgeable, but after being isolated for two thousand years, she does not know how to fit in. How does she see our world, going from a two dimensional computer image to three dimensional reality? She is a total innocent in interaction with people, the crowds, restaurants, shopping, all the things we take for granted.

Oh no! NO! I didn’t see that coming. My heart breaks along with Medusa’s. I am crushed. What the hell, Heather? How can you do that to her, after all she has been through?

Usually, books about Gods and their mythological world can be confusing and heavy. Heather’s writing and Medusa’s world left me wanting more, a lot more. The characters came alive on the pages. I now see snakes as lively, fun and mischievous creatures. As I walked with Medusa, I began to see our world through her eyes. It is a scary and wonderful place and I would not want to be anywhere else.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Just a few fingers against his shoulder, but suddenly I’ve just stepped off a cliff and am soaring through the air, into the unknown after drowning in the deep sea for so long.

“Obviously, the reason I’ve yet to marry is because I was a recluse of a a monster living on an enchanted isle. Most may draw the line at scaly women whose hair can bite them during arguments and eyes which turn them into stone. Your turn.”

“You really don’t know, do you?”

I run. I kick. I punch. I listen. I write. I give. I live. Stars above, I love.

Heather Lyons would like to tell you, if you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual assault, you do not need to suffer in silence. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE, visit the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) website or connect with an online counselor to learn more about your options.

I received an arc ecopy in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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About Heather Lyons

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Stalk the Author at the links below:

Website / Author Goodreads / THE DEEP END OF THE SEA Goodreads

Twitter / Facebook

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To get your copy of The Deep End of the Sea or learn more about Heather Lyons, click on the cover below.

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GIVEAWAY

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

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway for A Life Less Ordinary by Victoria Bernadine

Posted on February 12, 2014 by fundinmental

The cover of A Life Less Ordinary by Victoria Bernadine made me smile as soon as I saw it and I had to find out more.

Come on and join the fun. Read the excerpt and enter the giveaway below.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords
Genre: Chick Lit / Contemporary Fiction
Length: 371 pages
Release Date: December 10, 2012

BLURB

For the last fifteen years, Rose “Manny” Mankowski has been a very good girl. She turned her back on her youthful fancies and focused on her career. But now, at the age of 45, she’s questioning her choices and feeling more and more disconnected from her own life. When she’s passed over for promotion and her much younger new boss implies Manny’s life will never change, something snaps. In the blink of an eye, she’s quit her job, sold her house and cashed in her pension, and she’s leaving town on a six month road trip.

After placing a personal ad for a traveling companion, she’s joined in her mid-life crisis by Zeke Powell, the cynical, satirical, most-read – and most controversial – blogger for the e-magazine, What Women Want. Zeke’s true goal is to expose Manny’s journey as a pitiful and desperate attempt to reclaim her lost youth – and increase his readership at the same time. Leaving it all behind for six months is just an added bonus.

Now, armed with a bagful of destinations, a fistful of maps, and an out-spoken imaginary friend named Harvey, Manny’s on a quest to rediscover herself – and taking Zeke along for the ride.

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EXCERPT

Manny walked in her door, looking tired and feeling worn out. She wondered ruefully why the only thing not on a schedule was the time she could leave the office. She dropped her purse on the table and hung up her coat and keys. With a tired sigh, she walked into the living room and plopped into the armchair. She closed her eyes as Harvey walked out of the kitchen with a glass of white wine and began to rub her shoulders. He again looked impossibly handsome, this time wearing a sweater and jeans. She sighed in imagined bliss, and looked at him with sad eyes.

You have no idea how much I wish you were real.

In a blink, he was gone–and the phone was ringing. For a split second, Manny considered not answering it.

There’s your chance to talk to a real person, Harvey murmured.

Probably a telemarketer.

Probably Rebecca. Or Daisy. They’ll worry if you don’t answer.

All right, all right.

Manny heaved herself to her feet and walked to the phone.

Maybe I’m glad you’re imaginary after all.

She caught a glimpse of his grin as she answered the phone.

It was Rebecca, asking her to go out the next night.

“I don’t know…” Manny sighed.

“Oh, come on–you’ll have fun! And seriously–you haven’t gone out with us in months!”

“I’ve been tired…”

“You’ve been tired your whole life I think. You need to break out of this rut you’re in! Come out for a few drinks and dancing with me and Daisy. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a good-looking guy and be swept off your feet into a red-hot love affair.”

Sounds like a plan to me.

Yeah, ’cause that’ll happen.

“I’d love to go dancing,” Manny said to Rebecca, “but the guy is just a figment of your imagination.”

“Only because you don’t put any effort into it. Seriously, it’s not healthy to do nothing but work and go home. That’s how people go crazy you know.”

“Huh. You mean next thing you know I’ll be talking to my imaginary friend?”

Harvey grinned wickedly and Manny abruptly turned her back to him.

“Exactly!” Rebecca said. “Come on–what do you say?”

“Okay, okay,” Manny sighed. “Tomorrow night–the usual place?”

“Yep–and sound like you’re actually looking forward to it, okay?”

“I’m sorry. I am looking forward to it–it’ll be fun.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Victoria Bernadine (a pseudonym) is, as the saying goes, a “woman of a certain age”. After twenty-something years of writer’s block, she began writing again in 2008. Victoria enjoys reading all genres and particularly loves writing romantic comedy and post-apocalyptic science fiction. What those two have in common is anybody’s guess. She lives in Edmonton with her two cats (The Grunt and The Runt). A Life Less Ordinary is the first novel she felt was good enough to be released into the wild.

Victoria’s: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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To pick up your copy of A Life Less Ordinary by Victoria Bernadine, click on the cover below.

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GIVEAWAY

Entry -Form

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

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Teaser Tuesday #10 – I feel as if this book was written especially for me – Ocean’s Gift by Demelza Carlton

Posted on February 11, 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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This cover blows me away!! What am I saying? I am blown away (I know I am repeating myself) by this refreshing twist on the myths and legends of mermaids. I was only 7% in and felt like jumping up and down for joy. I am thinking this may be the best mermaid novel I have ever read. The story has drawn me in and I can hardly put it down long enough to write this post.

Be sure and go to the end of the post to check out the cover for Book II, Ocean’s Infiltrator. Another cover that makes me long to dive into that beautiful blue water. Plus, surprise! There is a book trailer.

I’ll be reviewing this book on February 19, 2014, so be sure and come back and I will tell you all about it..

My Teaser for Ocean’s Gift by Demelza Carlton

.

“…I feel she will succeed, despite our doubts. She understands humans better than any of our kind ever has, yet she is one of our elders. She will accomplish what none of us could. In her own way, she is the ocean’s gift to humans, ensuring their survival when their world will be irrevocable changed.”

(67% on Kindle).

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BLURB From Amazon

A bestselling paranormal romance and sea adventure, weaving mermaids, mythology, folklore and fantasy into modern day Australia.

Sirens don’t fall in love with humans. For centuries it has been so…

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But Sirena is different. She lost her first love to sharks and a storm, cursing the islands that stole him from her. Times have changed and she must swim ashore once more, to the islands she once cursed. Gone are the boats powered by sail and steam – jet boats with GPS are now the order of the day. Enter Joe, the deckhand on the Dolphin. A handy man to have around when the lights go out. He’ll fix your generator and have the lights back on in no time, no worries. But can he seduce a siren? Or will she swim away before he can uncover her secret? A book about lobsters, beer and boobs, on some cursed islands off the coast of Western Australia. At least, that’s how Joe tells it.

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For Sirena, it’s a very different story.

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You can see an excerpt at Goodreads or Amazon.

Check out these gorgeous, breathtaking covers and feel free to paddle your way over to Amazon and pick up your copy of the Ocean Gift’s series by Demelza Carlton.

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Inquiring minds want to know – What are you reading?

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

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Tag Team Giveaway – A sweet romance – Joshua’s Folly by Taylor Dean

Posted on February 10, 2014 by fundinmental

$tag you're it photo: Tag! You\'re It! AnyOccasion-TagYoureIt-May2007.jpg$

Welcome to my Tag Team Events!

Laura and I are the Tag Team Bloggers.

You can find Laura at fuonlyknew.

We Tag Team an author and publish our posts at the same time.

Whether it’s for a cover reveal, giveaway, review, interview, or something more, the author will be tagged by us and you will be alerted to go to Laura’s blog or mine to see additional content. It’s really fun to see how differently we view the same book and you get an extra chance to win with our giveaways!

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Great timing for Taylor to release Joshua’s Folly. How about something warm to drink?

Who would think hot chocolate could hold so much meaning? It will never be the same after you read Joshua’s Folly and find out the special meaning it holds for Marissa and Joshua.

Feel free to make yourself a cup, pull out your comfy blanket and let’s find out what is so intriguing about hot chocolate.

Night was so peaceful for 11 year old Marissa.

Mary said would things would get better, but Marissa didn’t think so.

Marissa couldn’t sleep. She would walk the halls, but when she saw his photograph on the wall, she felt better.

His name is Joshua.

Daffodils (c) Sherry Fundin

Joshua’s Folly is a romance novel, without ghosts, the supernatural or murder. It is not a novel I would normally choose to read, but because it is by one of my favorite Indie authors, I knew I would read it no matter what it is about. I did enjoy Marissa’s story and for you romance lovers out there, Taylor Dean is an author you will want on your TBR list.

Joshua actually has two Follies. One is his Garden of Eden on the ranch, the other…………….you will have to read the book to find out.

Marissa had lost her parents at eleven years old and I cannot begin to imagine what that would be like. When Mary finds out that Marissa wanders the house at night, gazing at Joshua’s photograph as if it is a lifesaver, she gives her a copy and tells her he will be her guardian angel. I thought, oh no, get out the tissues.

“A smart aleck firecracker and a “guardian angel.”

Joshua is raising his child alone and Mary arranges for Marissa to spend time at Joshua’s ranch, helping out with his daughter, Bethany. Bethany has advanced social skills and language because she spends most of her time around adults. My son was the same way, so it was easy to relate to her.

I love the banter between Marissa and Joshua. Bethany joins in and I couldn’t help but smile and laugh right along with them.

Taylor’s romance is always clean and I chuckled when she describes Joshua’s thoughts on kissing Marissa. You will have to read for yourself to find out how sweet it is.

Taylor talks about Marissa having one thought in her head, while having a conversation at the same time about something different. Do we ever really know what people are thinking, even as we are speaking face to face? Do it and see if anyone catches on.

Flowering Tree (c) Sherry Fundin

“Josh, you have a great sense of humor. Don’t use it to tear people down. Use it to

build people up.”

I know something has to happen and I felt Marissa’s sadness and her heart plummet when it does, even though I know it has to end with happy ever after. Now that’s good writing.

This is a ROMANCE, a simple love story. I was told that Joshua’s Folly was not like Taylor’s other books I have read, but I love her writing so my expectations are still high. She has a way of writing that gets me involved. The characters are well developed and I find them easy to relate to. They sound as if they could be your friends and family.

A couple of times the story slowed for me, but I still enjoyed Joshua’s Folly. For all you Romance lovers out there, this is a sweet, clean love story that will warm your heart and leave you with a happy ending.

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

I received a signed paperback copy of Joshua’s Folly in return for an honest and unbaised review. Taylor wraps the book up in a lovely package. Thank you Taylor. I will be reviewing For Nick next, so be sure and come back to check out another of my Taylor Dean reviews.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:

Website/Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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If you would like to purchase a copy of Taylor Dean’s books or learn more about her, simply click on the cover below.

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Taylor Dean always has a special giveaway and this one is sweeter than most.

2 (two) US winners: a signed paperback of Joshua’s Folly, a tote bag, two bookmarks and two packets of hot chocolate

2 (two) International or US winners: an ebook (Kindle only)

Entry is easy. Leave your email and tell us whether you are entering the US or International giveaway, then answer the question:

“What do you do to get cozy with your mate?”

****For a second chance to win, go to fuonlyknew****

Giveaway ends February 17, 2014.

tag you're it photo: You're awesome tag-game-awesome-friends_zpscce89964.jpg

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Book Trailer of Joshua’s Folly by Taylor Dean

Awesome Book Trailer Video of sierra by taylor dean – Come on over and take a peek

Missing Any Memories? i have people by taylor dean Review

Review of sierra by taylor dean

Fanged Mania #7 – Review of the middle aisle by taylor dean

Is he a ghost? A vampire? Is he even real or just a figment of her imagination? (Lancaster House Review)

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

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Monday Mini #9 – Chimera by David Wellington

Posted on February 10, 2014 by fundinmental

The title – Chimera – by David Wellington made me stop and investigate further. I thought it would be mythological, but was pleasantly surprised to see it was so much more that that.

Barbed wire, men in foxholes guarding a camp, an escape and the detainees running free, hmmmmm what could that mean? And who are the detainees?

BLURB

A fabulous new talent-the heir to Patrick Lee and James Rollins-delivers his first published novel: a wildly imaginative tale that combines elements of horror and science in the vein of Michael Crichton, in which a circle of unlikely heroes must uncover a nefarious cabal and prevent it from unleashing a diabolical threat that could destroy the world

7 fugitives escape from a secret military facility in upstate New York, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake.

7 super-soldiers gone rogue.

7 innocent citizens targeted for death.

Disabled Army Vet James Chase is drafted for a desperate mission to stop this lethal force. Aided by a mysterious woman named Angel and a courageous, beautiful veterinarian, Chase sets off on a hair-raising cross-country hunt.

But are the killers really rogue soldiers, or are they only the tip of a sinister conspiracy . . . the first piece of a shocking nightmarish plan that will lead to ultimate destruction?

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MY REVIEW of Chimera, A Jim Chapel Mission, by David Wellington

Chimera – an organism with more than one kind of DNA

David Wellington has been compared to Patrick Lee, James Rollins and Michael Crichton. That being said, I knew I would love this story and I wasn’t wrong. A sci-fi government conspiracy that will leave you shaking in your shoes. With all the genetic research being done, do you think that no one has thought about building the ultimate soldier?

Jim Chapel, a Special Forces veteran, is called in to save the day. The only clue – Chimera. The writing is excellent and the dialogue had me smiling and laughing, when I wasn’t pissed off and terrified. A sci-fi thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I knew Jim would accomplish his mission, but how? Secrets, danger, an uncontrollable evil that must be prevented from escaping into civilization. The ending – not what I thought it would be – oh, so much better than I imagined. I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I won a hardcover, first edition copy from Jessica at Jess Resides Here. YAY! Thank you Jessica and David. It looks beautiful in my collection.

“Is it not a glorious thing to be living in a George Jetson world?”

To get your copy of Chimera or another David Wellington novel, click on the cover below. David is a prolific writer and has many novels to choose from.

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

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Sherry’s Shelves #2

Posted on February 9, 2014 by fundinmental

Sunday Post is Hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Stacking the Shelves is Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

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Welcome to Sherry’s Shelves.

New Arrivals to the fundinmental blog

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

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

The Opree Legacy,The Promise, Book OneWritten by Anna Lenz L

This cover creeped me out so bad, I have to find out what is going on. An epic fantasy I heard about the through Masquerade Tours.

The Stone Man by Luke Smitherd

The title captured my attention and wouldn’t let me go. Seventy 5 Star Amazon reviews. Science fiction Ray Bradbury fans could love.

The Light Keepers, Shadowlight Saga by Mande Matthews

FREE Epic Fantasy Adventure. Thanks Elisabeth from Inkspelledfaery.

A Date of Godlike Proportions, The Blooming Goddess Trilogy by Tellulah Darling

FREE

~~*For Review*~~

I didn’t pick up anything for review this week. I have fallen a bit behind and am trying to catch up before taking any more books for review.

~~*Gifted or Won*~~

My Date From Hell by Tellulah Darling

I have been wanting to get into this series just because of the catchy titles. I hope to get started on them soon. I also received an authorgraph from Tellulah. Thanks so much and I look forward to reading the series soon.

Children of the Revolution by Peter Robinson

I won this book through Goodreads First Reads. I have read many of his books and am looking forward to reading another.

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Last Week on fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #1

Monday Mini #8 – Evil runs free without the Watchdogs – Open Meetings by Joyce T Strand

Start the week with a Freebie – Jackpot by Susan Fleet

Do you believe in the boogeyman? – When The Dead Whisper by Tara Neideffer – Review & Giveaway

Teaser Tuesday #9 – Joe by H D Gordon

Undead Tour – Review & Giveaway – The Zombie West Trilogy by Angela Scott

Unofficial Book Trailer and Cover for Joe, Book II, by H D Gordon

Freakin Friday #16 – So you want to be a Vampire – Still Life by Michael Montoure

Winners!

Masquerade Tours Monthly Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

Free – A 5 Star Short Story – Would you like blood with that? – Dark Whiskey by Emma Meade

This week on fundinmental

Monday Mini

Tag Team Giveaway -Joshua’s Folly by Taylor Dean

Teaser Tuesday

A Life Less Ordinary by Victoria Bernadine – Buy the Book tour, excerpt and giveaway

Deep End of the Seaby Heather Lyons Review – Inkslinger giveaway tour

Freakin Friday

Friday 56

Portal Soundtrack – Bewitching Book Tour Blitz giveaway

Sherry’s Shelves

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

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Free – A 5 Star Short Story – Would you like blood with that? – Dark Whiskey by Emma Meade

Posted on February 9, 2014 by fundinmental

Dark Whiskey is a spine tingling short story (app. 7100 words) that will have you asking Emma Meade for more. It is amazing how so much can be contained in a small package.

The cover was designed by Clarissa at Book Cover Art. Hop on over and check her out.

Jesse senses something off about the nightclub. She wants to leave, but her best friend, Tasha, is determined to have a night to remember. There’s no way Tasha’s turning down an invite to the VIP section.

Against Jesse’s better judgement, she follows Tasha up the ivory staircase to the mysterious room above.

The whiskey and champagne are flowing, and pretty soon the blood will be too.

Anyone anywhere in the world can download it from Smashwords as a pdf, mobi or epub.

Try Amazon.com if you’re in the US / Barnes & Noble / Sony /iTunes

And hopefully down the line Dark Whiskey will be listed as Free on international Amazon sites.

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My Review

Uh oh! Jesse knew they should not have gone into the bar.

The vibes were bad and kept getting worse. She felt she should run, not walk to the nearest exit. But, she didn’t.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Dark Whiskey grabbed me from the first page and swept me through to the last. The suspense kept me racing through the pages. Emma Mead’s writing is easy to read and flows smoothly. I can never figure out how an author can pack so much into a short story.

I must confess, I almost liked Eli.

I couldn’t help but laugh as Emma describes the girls. I had a girlfriend that was the motivator in our relationship, so I could relate to both of the girls.

Tasha got dumped and was determined to get back on the “horse”. Being BFFs, Jesse felt she had to be there for her, but wasn’t happy about it. Since her breakup, Tasha refused to go to their usual haunts, so, on to new territory. Have you been there, sticking by your friend, even when you know they are making a huge mistake?

Haven’t we all done something stupid when we were drinking? Okay, maybe not all of us.

I would love to hear more from Jesse and Eli. I feel there is a story to be told.

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I have also read her excellent short story End of the Line.

To see my 5 STAR Review of End of The Line, go HERE.

…..and her latest, Beneath Manhattan Skies.

To see my 4 Star review of Beneath Manhattan Skies, go HERE.

To Purchase one of Emma Meade’s books, simply click 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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Masquerade Tours Monthly Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

Posted on February 8, 2014 by fundinmental

Would you like to win one of these? Play our Scavenger Hunt, and you will get your chance. In addition to the 11 books pictured above, there’s 8 other books for you to discover. (2 others featured in the Scavenger Hunt and 6 others in Cover Wars)

Speaking of Cover Wars, I encourage you to vote for your favorite cover each day. The winning cover will be featured again in March. Vote HERE.

Lots of ways to win

Here’s all the ways to win:

FREE entry — simply provide your email address should you win a book.
Pick your first and second choice prize — which books would you like to win the most?
- Can’t promise you’ll win the book you want, but we are gathering this info so that we can try.
Answer a question about each of the participating books.
Answer a question from each of the participating authors.
Follow the participating authors on Twitter.
Like the Facebook pages of the participating authors.
Vote for your favorite book cover each day in Cover Wars
- Must fill out the corresponding Scavenger Hunt option each day.
Tweet about this giveaway. (2 daily tweet options)
Link to this giveaway in a Facebook status update. (daily option)
Follow the Masquerade Crew on Pinterest.
Pin an image to Pinterest.
Become a member of the Masquerade Crew Book Club (or already be a member).
Blog about this giveaway.
Leave a blog post comment.
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Books being given away

Caught between an impossible past and dangerous future, a forgotten love refuses to die…

It’s been years since the car accident, but with every disappointment Evelyn finds herself wondering about her forgotten days in London. After being dismissed from her job, she unknowingly wanders past an old friend who reintroduces himself by breaking into her home.

Armed with a photograph and a handful of gems, he convinces her that after dropping out of her study abroad program, she befriended a group of accomplished thieves. Drawn to the handsome stranger in her living room and seduced by the idea of finally knowing the truth, Evelyn travels to London to face her past and understand what could’ve caused her to make such uncharacteristic life choices.

As conflicting memories surface, Evelyn fights her attraction to the Irish rogue, Finn, while sparring with the intimidating group leader, Ari. There’s the added problem of forgetting where she’s stashed a small fortune. Realizing too late that darker forces are closing in on her, Evelyn fights to save herself and the lives of those she’s grown to care for.

When everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered.

Kim is unable to accept Charley’s sudden death. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia, her questions are met with wall after wall. As she doubts her sanity, she realises her investigation is putting those around her in danger.

The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Despite his friendly smile, Kim isn’t sure she can trust him. But if she wants to protect her family from further danger, Kim must work with Matthew to discover how Charley died – before it’s too late.

For hundreds of years, the Blaukenev clan has wandered across Tilzam, from one end to the other and back. Each wagon carries history, love, laughter, pain, sorrow, and secrets. Their greatest secret of all may be Chavali, the clan Seer.

With her gift/curse, nothing surprises her anymore, no one keeps secrets from her. She, on the other hand, has more than enough secrets to keep. Secrets of her own, secrets of her clan, secrets of the world, secrets she even keeps from herself.

There are always people who want secrets.
Some will do anything to get what they want.

The Fallen is the foundation of the story of The Greatest Sin, of a world adrift from its God that desperately wants Her back. Chavali’s comfortable, predictable life will be ripped apart and burnt to ashes as she’s forced into the middle of that struggle. Change, she hates it passionately. It hates her right back.

What’s a girl to do when she learns she’s descended from a vampire? Being unable to age is only the beginning…

Laura Dantonville is a Primary school teacher with one wish—to marry her boyfriend, Detective Matt Sommers. When her aunt Judy reveals a frightening family secret that explains her rare genetic mutation, it threatens to propel her into a dark underworld where her true family waits.
Laura’s future with Matt hangs in the balance.

Alec Munro never wanted to become guardian to a Dantonville regardless that her blood is coveted by his vampire-kind. But his sire, Lucien Lebrettan, gave him no choice. Now he’s faced with not only protecting the girl, but fathering a child with her in order to end his servitude—and a centuries-old curse.

“A meet-cute at an Egyptian antiquities exhibit draws self-confessed bleeding-heart advice columnist Sophie Galen into the orbit of Marek Thurzo, a moody mystery man with “Paul Newman lips” and an intense interest in Sophie from the moment they meet.

“In short order, Marek introduces Sophie to a secret underworld of vampires, werewolves, and demivampires–his own kind, vampire precursors who can still walk in daylight and have not yet lost their souls. Sophie herself has a destiny among “the DV,” as she learns to her considerable peril.” – Publishers Weekly

Solstice is a world apart, created by a mysterious Boss and shaped by tempers of warring twin goddesses. Once it was a playground for sisters Ylumya and Ynoirya, but then the wars began. Now Solstice is the stage for the final battle between light and dark. Everyone must choose a side.

The Boss sired the first Prospector 1,000 years ago. Charged to search for a treasure unnamed, an unbroken line of men have been caretakers, shepherds and warriors for Solstice since the misty times. Now, Grayme Ceruleya is the last Prospector, he is destined to find the treasure. But what happens to Solstice when he does?

A runaway slave dies giving birth alone in the desert. The nomads who find the baby don’t realize that the child is the pawn of the gods and wields more power than they can comprehend. Except for one boy, broken-hearted Tonyo who makes a tremendous sacrifice to ensure the baby’s safety.

In Solstice the unlikely is probable, magicks are mundane and all the stories are true. It’s a land of stunning natural beauty, filled with exotic wildlife and vibrant cultures. Powerful factions like the whore’s guild make the rules, ancient enemies find new strength and dreamers are waking up all across the land with one message.

The Final war between the Twins has started. A victor must be decided this time.

BECCA TRENT LIVED HER CHILDHOOD NEXT TO A CRUEL WOMAN—her mom—who lived to torment and neglect her. During her high school years, her mother married; bringing home not only a new husband, but a step sister her same age. The latter took over her Mom’s role—making Becca’s life miserable. Including stealing Ian—Becca’s best friend and boyfriend—Lisa treated her worse than her mother had for the previous fifteen years. A couple years later, thing ended up in tragedy.

Becca buried that part of her life in the deep corners of her psyche, caught between sanity and nightmares. Between therapy, work and her constantly looming past she can’t seem to find room to breathe. The memories of her late step-sister, Lisa, are her closest company.

Her best friend, Dan gives her that family love she always lacked. Everything was close to perfect, until everything and everyone from her past came back. Now she’s trying to figure out how to survive and keep that bond which seems now to be held together by a thread.

Henry, a shy and talented artist, moonlights as a security guard at a museum and loses his heart to a beautiful, melancholy woman in a painting. As his obsession grows, he finds a kindred soul who helps him in his search for happiness. On Christmas Eve, Henry dares to take a chance on love and fulfill his dream.

As Bailar and his apprentices help the Conclave prepare for conflict with the rogue sorcerers, Sura learns that she is a descendant of a noble House in the Alliance. But when she discovers the price of her history, it may be too late.

Elizabeth Monterey is a 17-years-old girl who always had everything: lots of money, friends, the perfect boyfriend, and a promising future on the archery world. But an inexplicable accident changed her life forever, and now she needs to face the harsh reality of the death of her parents, a brother in a coma and the loss of her fortune.

As if she hadn’t problems enough, demonic-looking creatures want the freedom to come and go to the human world, and Elizabeth is the chosen to prevent this from happening, but she can’t do it alone. It will be necessary to find out who are her allies… and her enemies.

So, the hunt begins.

The Pagan Eyes series introduces the Carpenter family whose members face personal issues, along with time travel, danger, and death.

Initiation is Leah’s story.

Leah Carpenter thought being the only witch in her local high school was hard. That was until she inexplicably found herself in the past running from an angry mob, which turned out to be much harder. Growing up comes fast as she wrestles with surviving in another century and mistaken identity. Fast thinking, luck, and whole lot of magick might get her out of her current dilemma; then again, it might not.

Play the HUNT!

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GIVEAWAY

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

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Winners!

Posted on February 8, 2014 by fundinmental

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of the Tag Team Giveaway from me and fuonlyknew for the signed paperback of Delta Legend by Kelan O’Connell are:

My blog, fundinmental: Jennifer Bielman

Laura’s blog, fuonlyknew: Bobbi S

Congratulations and happy reading. I hope you enjoy Delta Legend as much as I did!

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments. I hope you will continue to follow fundinmental.

To see the review and giveaway page for Delta Legend, go HERE.

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To pick up your copy of Delta Legend, or to learn more about Kelan O’Connell, click on the cover 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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Freakin Friday #16 – So you want to be a Vampire – Still Life by Michael Montoure

Posted on February 7, 2014 by fundinmental

Freakin Friday!

Freakin Fridays is a meme brought to you by fuonlyknew. We will be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.

Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts!

Tune in Friday and get your scare on!

Let’s have some fun!

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Still Life by Michael Montoure

Nikki Velvet was bereft after the suicide of Gabe.

She could not get past it. It haunted her and pissed her off.

Nothing glamorous about it. “You just looked like a fucking idiot.”

“I found a way out, a way to beat the game.” – Nikki said to herself.

She had no idea the price to be paid for her decision.

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The cover captured me immediately. Nice work, Michael. The blurb did not prepare me for the story. Michael did an excellent job of writing from a woman’s perspective. The story contained between the pages is not your run of the mill bite and run vampire party. It is a psychological journey of Nikki Velvet’s descent into hell, that had my skin crawling.

If you want to know why someone may want to become a vampire and the process they go through to make it happen, meet Nikki Velvet.

The description of her change from human to vampire was graphic and detailed. Her attempts to grab a breath of air, not realizing breathing was no longer necessary, had me holding my breath. Her mind was foggy, her limbs unwilling to move to her commands, she was unable to speak. Finally she stops struggling, letting go and drifting away.

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when she looks at the toilet and realizes she would never need that again. And books – no limitations. She has forever to read.

“I gave you what you wanted. It might not be everything you hoped it would be, but its just what you asked for all the same.”

The physical, emotional and psychological torments Nikki goes through had me shivering with the creepiness, as I TRIED to walk in her shoes. She had never anticipated the toll that turning into a vampire would take on her and the torture Sylvan (a human) would put her through. Creepy Paul was always lingering around the edges of her life.

Michael describes Nikki’s experience after she jumps off the bridge and I wanted to be there – floating in the water, drifting, letting it take me wherever the current flowed, no need to breathe. Is that what it is like to be a mermaid? Is it like flying?

Michael Montoure’s Still Life is all about Nikki – being free of life, being maimed and tortured, used and abused. As she navigates the way through her madness to a new life, I cringe and cower, while I question how it will end.

This was hard for me to rate. I can’t pinpoint what was missing, but Still Life didn’t get me to the level of WOW. But, I had not read anything quite like this,.Kudos to Michael for giving me a fresh and unique insight into human and vampire interaction. His characters are well defined, making me hate most of them. And Nikki – what can I say about someone so lost that they would die to become immortal?

4 Stars – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review. I enjoyed the journey and I look forward to reading more of his work.

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To get your copy of Still Life, or learn more about Michael Montoure, click on the cover below.