Giveaway – Kai The Dancing Butterfly by Crystal Z Lee @iReadBookTours

Posted on April 21, 2022 by fundinmental

Join Us For This Tour From: April 11 to April 22
Book Details:

Book Title: Kai the Dancing Butterfly by Crystal Z. Lee
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Publisher: Balestier Press
Publication Date: February 2022.
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Kai and Ami are dancing butterflies from Taiwan! They have a performance coming up at the Winter Festival dance show in the southern part of the island. They are currently in northern Taiwan, so they need to hurry and start flying south. That’s far for a butterfly! Kai is worried about the long journey, and about the big show too. Can Kai step up to the challenge?

Kai the Dancing Butterfly celebrates Taiwan’s natural scenic wonders, amazing animal species, and incredible Indigenous cultures. This children’s book is a marvelous read for all those who love Taiwan, or for those who’d like to learn more about Taiwanese culture. This elaborately illustrated picture book makes an ideal gift:

*Real locations in Taiwan make for an inspiring geography, history and cultural lesson

*Storyline sparks dialogue around empathy, kindness, courage, faith, perseverance, friendship, and the support between siblings

*Exquisite illustrations of Taiwan’s majestic animals and endangered species fosters learning around ecological conservation and habitat protection

BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON ~ B&N
IndieBound ~ BAM
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INTERVIEW WITH CRYSTAL Z LEE

Topic: Writing an “Own Voices” Story

Q: What was your inspiration for Kai the Dancing Butterfly? Why butterflies?

A: Taiwan has over 400 species of butterflies, 50 of which are endemic to the island! Taiwan is also home to the beautiful purple crow butterfly population, which makes up one of the planet’s largest butterfly migration overwintering congregation. My children and I adore butterflies, so I was inspired to write a children’s book about this unique butterfly species from Taiwan, where I grew up as a child. The illustrator, Allie Su, was also raised in Taiwan, so this is very much as “own voices” story!

Q: What was your inspiration for the emphasis on Taiwanese Indigenous tribal clothing in the illustrations?

A: Along with illustrator Allie Su, we researched special Taiwanese Indigenous attire and incorporated them into the story. It’s our hope that this story can shed light on the plight of Indigenous tribes in Taiwan.

Q: Why was writing this book so important or personal for you?

A: I grew up in Taipei and had always dreamt of sharing the beautiful sights and facets of Taiwan in a book. There are some excellent children’s books about Taiwan out on the market right now, but most of them focus on holidays, relatives, or food. I love all of these aspects too, but wanted to highlight Taiwan’s natural scenic wonders and amazing animal species!

Q: Fun facts about Taiwan you’d like to share?

A: -Taiwan is the size of Belgium but has twice as many people.

     -Taiwan ranked as the eighth-strongest democracy in the world, according to the     Economist Intelligence Unit’s new 2021 Democracy Index.

     -Taiwan implements a National Health Insurance program which is considered one of the best universal healthcare systems in the world.

     -Half a million people in Taiwan identify with a Taiwanese Indigenous tribe.

     -Taiwan is home 400 butterfly species, 50 of which are endemic.

Q: Favorite Taiwanese films based in Taiwan?

A: Some recent Taiwanese movies I’ve enjoyed: American Girl, Dear Ex, My Missing Valentine.

Q: Tell us about your personal history with Taiwan.

A: My paternal great-grandfather was a journalist in Taiwan who aided the anti-Japanese colonial efforts. My maternal great-grandfather was a school principal in Taichung, and my maternal grandmother was a teacher in Taipei. My maternal grandfather worked at a bank, and his brother was a famous painter who held gallery shows. I grew up hearing all of their stories.
;”>

Meet the Author:

Crystal Z. Lee is a bilingual writer who grew up in Taiwan and California. She has called many places home, including Taipei, New York, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Crystal is also the author of the children’s book A Unicorn Named Rin, and the novel, Love and Other Moods.

connect with the author: instagram ~ goodreads

Meet the Illustrator:

Allie Su was born and raised in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. She is a professional illustrator, specializing in oil painting and ink painting.

Tour Schedule:

April 11 – Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
April 11 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 11 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
April 11 – My Reading Getaway – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 12 – Bookworm for Kid – book spotlight / giveaway
April 13 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight / author interview
April 14 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 18 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 19 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 20 – GIna Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 21 – fundinmental – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 22 – Writer with Wanderlust – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 25 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 26 – I’m Into Books – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 27 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 28 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book spotlight / giveaway
April 29 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

KIA AND THE DANCING BUTTERFLY Book Tour Giveaway

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Giveaway – Strange Love by T L Bradford @XpressoTours

Posted on April 20, 2022 by fundinmental

StrangeLove
T.L. Bradford
Publication date: April 18th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Archer

The year began great for me.

Became the starting quarterback for an NFL team – check.
Secured a multi-million-dollar contract – check.
Moved to LA and lived the glamorous life – check.

What could possibly cause me any issues?
Oh yeah, one more thing. I’m gay.

I was outed a couple of years ago to my former team and my family, but it hasn’t been made public knowledge yet. Well, that is, until now. I’ll be known as the first LGBTQ+ active player in the league’s history. And if I stick to the conditions of my contract, it won’t be a problem. The thing is, I’m not really a guy known for playing by the rules.

Most people think of my personality as the three B’s: bold, brash, and blunt. My mouth has gotten me into more predicaments than I can count. Even my best friends have told me I’m stubborn as a mule and have the delicacy of a bull in a china shop. This presents a big problem for me because I have my eyes set on winning over the guy who stole my heart years ago, only he doesn’t know it yet.

Getting his attention is going to be challenging. It’s a good thing I’m tenacious.
Unfortunately, it’s not great timing and could get me into a whole mess of trouble.
Why does falling for a guy need to be anyone’s business but mine?

Kai

The past couple of years were a whirlwind of activity. My career took off after my guest shot appearance in Americana. I appeared in a few indie features and finally got a shot at my first major motion picture release. The work came as a great distraction from my personal life, which took a further nosedive after I found out the guy I was falling for had already fallen for someone else.

Why should I be surprised? He was another in a string of failed relationship attempts. I swore I wouldn’t get involved with anyone else, choosing to stay focused on my career instead. That is, until the force of nature known as Archer McMillan came storming into my life.

To be the pursued instead of the pursuer was not in the cards. To top it off, he’s everything I’m not. Yet, there’s something to be said for a guy who can make you laugh when it’s the last thing you want to be doing. I’ll admit he’s got a playful and determined spirit. Archer also has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever known. Not the mention the cute way he… Hold on. What am I doing? We cannot be a thing. Nope. Not gonna happen. Ever. Right?

**

Follow Kai and Archer as they cross the lines as friends, partners-in-crime, and confidants, to discover a love beyond boundaries that needs no definition.

(StrangeLove is a funny, heartwarming, slow-burn love story. It contains a cast of fully developed characters that encounter romance, laughter, and life lessons. It contains adult language, mature themes, and is best enjoyed by those over the age of 18. It can be read as a standalone; however, if you would like to know the backstories of some characters, check out the prior books in the series.)

Add to Goodreads

Peculiarities

He takes the mustard bottle, shakes it up, and then squirts a blob onto the corn dog. He takes a long, leisurely bite.

“How’s the corn dog?”

“It’s pretty good. Do you want a bite?”

“Nah, I’m good. I’ll take some of your fries though.”

He pushes the bag over to me. I dig until I find the ones I want.

He says, “This is why we work. You like the mushy fries on the bottom, and I like the crisp ones. Therefore, no fry goes uneaten.” He pops a big chunky one into his mouth.

“Our quirks work well together.”

“What quirks?”

I stop to stare at him. “You have to admit you have some… peculiarities.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he says indignantly.

“Are you being serious? You have a ton of quirks.”

“I most certainly do not. Name one.”

“Let’s start with the entire hand sanitizer thing.”

“What’s wrong with that? Lots of people use sanitizer.”

“You keep it in your pocket, your car, on the set, the bottles are freakin’ everywhere. It’s amazing you haven’t dissolved your fingerprints yet with that stuff.”

“Fine. I have one quirk.”

I throw up my hands. “Hold on. I’m not done. What about not being able to have your food touch? Your plates have compartments in them.”

“That’s… a justifiable quirk.”

I squint at him. “Is it?”

“Yes.”

Lifting my fingers, I start counting off his issues. “You freak out around animals.”

“I already told you about that one.”

“You’re terrified of glitter.”

“They were tossing that stuff around at Gay Pride Fest, yet they never tell you how harmful it can be to your health.”

I huff. “Were you hospitalized?”

“Yes! It was embedded in my eye. I needed minor surgery to have it removed. That was my first and last Pride.”

I sit back and chuckle.

“I had a bad infection! What’s so damn funny?” he asks me.

“You! You’re so damn high strung, I can’t see how you function.”

“I’m not high strung!”

“Dude, you get anxiety over trying to open those plastic bags in the produce section.”

“It was that one time!”

I bend over, howling at how incredulous he is about his own behavior.

“Are you done?”

“This conversation will never be over.” I hold my stomach and laugh out loud.

Author Bio:

T.L. always hated math, so it was a good thing she had a way with words. Since she was a shy and quirky kid; words were her best friends. She would imagine entire worlds in her head and talk to herself endlessly. Her mother wondered if she was speaking with ghosts for a while.

Her older sister was a voracious reader of trashy romance novels and would pass them down to her after she had finished them. T.L. was the only 10-year-old kid sitting in class reading “The Stud” by Jackie Collins during reading time. Oddly enough, she never got called out on it.

As she grew older, her tastes evolved, but one thing held fast; her undying attachment to love stories. One day out of the blue, she decided to write the love stories she always wanted to read instead of searching for her story. Since then, writing has been a dream fulfilled for her and she could not be happier.

She enjoys writing about love, regardless of gender and is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community.

T.L. calls the Pacific Northwest her home and enjoys the quiet rural life of her little oceanside home with her playful/crazy husband and their giant dog Noah.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

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Giveaway – Distorted Perception by Trish Arrowsmith @author_trish @partnersincr1me

Posted on April 20, 2022 by fundinmental

Distorted Perception

by Trish Arrowsmith

March 28 – April 29, 2022 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Distorted Perception by Trish Arrowsmith

At twenty-six years of age, Kathleen has almost everything she needs: a fulfilling teaching career, a new car, and a recently purchased home. She dedicates her free time to her students, supporting them in a manner she never had growing up. Her days are filled with love and hope, but her nights are empty without a family to call her own. While spectating the first home baseball game of the season, she meets a man that she believes will change her evenings in the best possible way. With no children of his own, he committed his free time to bringing his young nephew to watch the game, hoping to encourage him to play. Kathleen is immediately drawn to him and sees him as a true family man.

Maxwell is handsome, successful, and charming. When he proposes marriage shortly after they begin dating, Kathleen is eager to accept as the desire to start her own family consumes her. Within months of their marriage, Maxwell’s sweet, doting personality gives way to a more sinister, controlling side. Kathleen quickly realizes that while she was looking for a partner, Maxwell was looking for someone who existed solely to fulfill his needs.

When he suggests a move to the country, Kathleen is hesitant to leave her job but believes the change of atmosphere will be an opportunity to bring them closer together. She soon realizes the isolation of the countryside only serves to enhance his power over her. It doesn’t take long for her to learn the devastating truth of who her husband really is, and she finds herself left with two choices: She can try to escape and hope he doesn’t find her, or she can stay and fight the battle in which all odds are against her.

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Drama
Published by: Trish Arrowsmith Author
Publication Date: February 24, 2022
Number of Pages: 276
ISBN: 9781736755952
Purchase Links: Amazon | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

He reached out and grabbed her hand like he used to when they were dating. “We’re moving. Next week.”

“What?” Kathleen cried. “What do you mean we’re moving?” She pulled her hand from his.

“We’re moving to the country. I bought us a house out there.”

Kathleen went from being the happiest she had been in a long time to livid in a matter of seconds. Her whole body begin to shake. “We can’t move next week, Maxwell. I own this house. I’ll need to clean it and put it up for sale. It could take months.”

“Already taken care of, beautiful. You don’t need to worry about a thing.”

She cringed at his choice of the word ‘beautiful.’ “It’s going to take me weeks just to pack everything.” She sounded like she was whining but she didn’t care, this was a huge decision he made for both of them without consulting her. He had never even mentioned a desire to move, and certainly not to the country. She had never been outside the suburbs of the city. She was already feeling lonely and now she would really be by herself.

“No need to worry. I hired movers. They’ll be here Tuesday.”

“Tuesday? Like five days from now?”

Maxwell laughed. “Well, yes. What did you think I meant when I said next week?” He continued eating his dinner like this was a normal conversation they would have on any given day.

Kathleen had lost her appetite. She slid her plate away from her and shook her head. She was upset that she hadn’t gotten to tell Maxwell her news. She wanted to make it a joyous occasion for them both and it had completely lost its appeal. At least for now. She got up and left the table without eating any more. She needed some time away to process what he told her.

She stood in the bathroom for five minutes fighting back tears before she went to stand in the doorway of the kitchen. She leaned against the frame with her arms crossed. “What do you mean it’s already taken care of? Did you sell my house? How is that even possible?”

Maxwell’s eyes rolled toward the ceiling. After all this time she still didn’t seem to get it. Her naivety both humored and annoyed him. “You seem to forget rather easily that I’m a lawyer. There are so many things that I can do, so many things that I have access to, it would make your head spin. And yes, to answer your question, I did sell it. Got a pretty penny for it, too.” He smirked at her. “Did you make any dessert?”

Kathleen was furious that he had managed to sell her house without her knowing about it. She was sure his job gave him access to information like that, but it didn’t mean he had to abuse the privilege. How did he even know she bought the house outright, maybe she had inherited it from her grandmother or bought it from someone else in her family? She didn’t, of course, and she guessed he had access to that information as well, but this was the first house she had ever owned. She was proud of her little house. And considering it was hers, she would have liked to have some say in selling it. She decided now was not the time to ask him for specific details, but eventually she wanted to know why he sold it and how much he got for it.

She dropped a plate with a slice of Boston crème cake in front of him. The fork rattled and bounced from the plate to the table. Kathleen crossed her arms over her chest again and stared at him. “I know you have access to a lot of information but how did you manage to sell my house without my consent?”

Maxwell straightened his posture, he pulled back his shoulders, puffed up his chest, and smiled so wide it made Kathleen want to slap it off his face. “As a lawyer, I should advise you to read all forms and documents thoroughly before you sign them.”

Kathleen squinted and shook her head. “But I never…”

Maxwell howled with laughter as he watched the realization hit her.

Her mouth hung open and she sighed with shame. “Our wedding day.” Her arms dropped to her sides; her head fell forward.

He nodded his head and shoved a fork full of cake into his mouth. “What’s yours’ is mine.”

***

Author Bio:

Trish recently moved across the country where she found her forever home, enjoying the desert sunshine and wildlife all year long. She was born and raised in a small town in northern Connecticut. Growing up, she was always fascinated by unsolved mysteries and true crime as well as the psychological elements behind them. As an avid reader, her go to books are thrillers, suspense, and true crime.

Catch Up With Trish Arrowsmith:
www.TrishArrowsmithAuthor.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @trisharrowsmith
Instagram – @trisharrowsmithauthor
Twitter – @author_trish
Facebook – @TrishArrowsmithAuthor

Tour Participants:

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This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Trish Arrowsmith. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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Giveaway – Marines Don’t Cry by Danny & Jackie Garcia @GoddessFish

Posted on April 19, 2022 by fundinmental

Marines Don’t Cry by Daniel Garcia and Jacqueline C. Garcia

GENRE: Memoir, Non-fiction

BLURB

Have you ever been lost — really lost?

Danny and Jackie answer this question in Marines Don’t Cry with stories of death to life, deep sorrow to joy, darkness to light, and freedom in Christ.

Danny recounts his early life in Spanish Harlem and describes conversion from a life of drugs and “the fast lane” to one consumed with knowing and serving God. This makes his journey of walking more than 52 million steps on six continents for children and world peace such an incredible story.

Marines Don’t Cry is about the transformational power of God’s love: how Danny found his calling and is delivering the message of Christ at all costs.

EXCERPT

Chapter 7: “You Must Choose Now”

One night in my living room, under the influence of several drugs and alcohol, I experienced something bizarre and frightening. Something happened to me, and I knew that something was terribly wrong. In a moment, I felt my spirit leaving my body; a wrenching separation and tearing from deep within. Life literally came out of my body. My feet lifted from the floor. I levitated upwards and felt myself being pulled out of this world. It was an out-of-body experience. I did not feel physical pain, but I knew I was dying. All my life, I had been in control and never let fear consume me. Now, I was terrified.

I panicked.

My thoughts raced. I knew that if I died, I would go to hell because of all the bad things I had done in my life. I learned in Catholic school that if I died in the state of mortal sin, I was destined for hell, a place of eternal fire and torment. Eternity flashed before me, and I heard an audible voice through time, space, and spirit say:

“Which way do you choose? Life or death? You must choose now.”

The voice enveloped my thoughts. In a flash, the Lord gave me a choice of life or death, and it was a choice of both physical and spiritual proportions. Although I had not been in church for over twenty-five years, I knew I was lost, had no hope, and was going to hell. I was completely petrified, and for the first time in my entire life, I was truly afraid and frightened beyond my understanding.

With a desperate cry, I screamed, “Jesus, save me!”

As soon as I said the name “Jesus,” my spirit immediately jumped back into my body. I experienced the terrible fear of God. To this point in my life, I paid no attention to the teachings that the Catholic church instilled in me. I had turned away from Him and disobeyed His laws.

By calling on the name of Jesus Christ, I chose life. I was saved spiritually; the moment of my salvation from death and beginning the transformation to a new life. This was a miracle. I was thirty-three years old—the same age as Jesus when he started his public ministry.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

About the authors of Marines Don’t Cry

Daniel Garcia

Danny Garcia, The Walking Man, was born and raised in New York’s Spanish Harlem. He served as a United States Marine, law enforcement officer, and ordained minister. Since 1996, he has prayed and walked over 52,000, 000 steps on six continents for children and world peace. During his journeys, Garcia met with dignitaries all over the world, ministering to the famous and to the poorest of the poor. Danny made presentations to Kings/royals, Presidents, and other world leaders, to include four Presidents of the USA, several Prime Ministers of other countries, the Pope, Mother Teresa, Ambassadors and various eminent personalities and multilateral organizations. Garcia began his journey as a personal commitment to peace and children and continued walking and raising funds for multiple charitable organizations.

Danny is married to the former Jacqueline Charsagua of El Paso, TX, and they work side by side to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information, visit Danny’s website, www.globalwalk.cc.

Jackie Charsagua Garcia

Jackie Charsagua Garcia is married to Daniel Garcia. She graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1985 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management. While in the US Air Force, Jackie specialized in communications, acquisition, systems engineering, and information technology.

After a rewarding and fulfilling Air Force career, she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the summer of 2006, having spent more than 21 years on active duty. Since 2006, she has supported and advised on all aspects of her husband’s walks and charitable initiatives within the United States and abroad. She joined Danny during his Africa Walk in 2007 and ministered in South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan. During this time, her faith and reliance on God grew tremendously under the mentorship of Danny Garcia. The Global Walk experience gave Jackie an opportunity to serve God abroad, and her vision is to spread the hope, love, and the grace of Jesus Christ through her writing. She is a native of El Paso, TX, mother of one amazing daughter, and a breast cancer survivor.

Website / Website / Facebook / Facebook / Facebook / Instagram
YouTube / YouTube Interview / LinkedIn / LinkedIn

Buy links: Marines Don’t Cry (marinesdontcry.com)
BookFunnel: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/xq67q9237u
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marines-Dont-Cry-Delivering-Message/dp/163195640X/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marines-dont-cry-danny-garcia/1139454637
Books-a-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Marines-Dont-Cry/Danny-Garcia/9781631956409
BookShop: https://bookshop.org/books/marines-don-t-cry-delivering-the-message-at-all-costs/9781631956409
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781631956409

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Giveaway – Under The Stars by Melissa Chambers @XpressoTours @MelChambersAuth

Posted on April 19, 2022 by fundinmental

Under the Stars
Melissa Chambers
(Destiny Dunes, #6)
Publication date: April 19th 2022
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Why is he making it so hard to hate him?

Chapman

There are few things I enjoy more than messing with Taylor Palmer. She’s such a priss with her tight, corporate skirts and her high heels. Someone’s got to bring her down to Earth.

She glares at me and parades her dates into my bar like she thinks it’ll bother me. She’s on the hunt for a husband, but she’s doing it all wrong. She’s never going to be into one of these nerds. She really wants a man like me, but I’m not on the market.

I can help her find a guy she can stomach. And if she decides to break her celibacy streak with me in the meantime, good for her…and me. But she better not get attached. She also needs to quit making me feel things I don’t understand.

Taylor

I’ll never forgive John Chapman for what he did to my best friend. I don’t care that she’s forgiven him, is close friends with him now, and even seems to be pushing me toward him. It’s because he and I are the last two single people in our friend group. All will be right in the world if he and I just connect. Forget it.

He fancies himself some kind of dating coach. He says he can find me the right guy. He certainly couldn’t do worse than I’ve been doing. I guess it won’t hurt to let him help.

The only problem is he won’t quit making his own moves on me, and they are working, impressively. I can’t fall for him. He’s made that crystal clear. But as we grow closer, I have to wonder if I’m chipping away at his cement walls, just a little bit.

Welcome to Destiny Dunes, where the only thing hotter than the Florida sun is the romance between this resort’s employees. Each book in this steamy series focuses on your favorite romance tropes. Once you enter the gates of Destiny Dunes, you’ll never want to leave!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

—

EXCERPT:

“You ready to do this?” he asks.

“Do what?”

“Take the picture.” He heads out of the store and I follow behind him.

“Right now?”

“No, next May. Yes, right now.”

“I thought maybe I’d have time to settle into the idea of me in a two-piece plastered all over the Internet.”

He leads us through the open-air mall, past some kids playing in the sprinklers while their parents sip coffee in wrought-iron chairs. “Are we doing this thing or not?”

“We are,” I say.

“Then either you trust me or you don’t.”

“I definitely don’t.”

He comes to a halt and faces me. “Turn around.”

“What? Why?”

“Just turn around.”

I huff, but I do it.

“Now fall backwards.”

I turn back around and face him. “You are crazy.”

“Don’t look at me. Look straight forward.”

I let out a sigh and then turn away from him again.

“Fall backwards.”

“And you’re going to catch me?” I ask in a very doubtful tone.

“Of course I’m gonna catch you. I’m not going to let you fall to the ground and bust your head open.”

“What happens if some pretty girl walks by and you turn your head right when I’m getting ready to fall?”

“I don’t need to look at some pretty girl. I’m looking at you . . . your ass to be specific.”

“See, right away I don’t trust you. My ass isn’t what’s going to fall backward first. It’s my shoulders.”

“I’m watching your whole body.”

Two girls sipping iced coffees pause, watching us. I smile at them and they smile back. “We’re gathering a crowd,” I say through clenched teeth.

“If you would just hurry up and get this over with, we wouldn’t garner so much attention.”

I imagine myself falling backwards and my stomach goes for a loop. “Are you sure you can catch me?”

“Are you kidding? Have you seen me?”

“I know, but I’m a big girl.”

“This is insulting, Taylor. I work out every day. Have you seen me without a shirt on?”

I try to remember if I have, but I’m pretty sure I only have dreamed of his bare chest. “All right, I concede that you can probably catch me.”

“Probably? Come on. Just fall backwards.”

“But why?”

“Because this will do wonders for our relationship. If you can trust me to prevent a brain injury, surely you can trust me with your dating profile.”

“Okay,” I say, fiddling with the bag.

“Give me that,” he says. I pass it back to him and hear it drop on the ground. “Hold your arms out so I can get my arms around you.”

The idea of his arms on my body sends a flock of butterflies through my chest. Now I’m more invested. Because as much as I need to not think about these things, I want to know what his touch feels like. I turn my head. “How far back are you?”

“I’m the perfect amount.”

There are several groups of people watching us now. I cover my eyes. “I can’t believe I’m going to do this.”

“Do you want me to count off?”

“No, I’m going to do it . . . unless you need to count off because you’re looking away or something.”

“He hasn’t looked away from you this whole time,” one of the iced coffee girls says.

“Really?” I ask her.

“Oh yeah,” the other one says. “He is laser-focused on you. I think you can trust him.”

I purse my lips. “If you only knew him you wouldn’t say that.”

“I’d like to get to know him,” her friend says, and then they giggle together.

“Taylor,” Chapman says, and the sound of my name coming from his mouth sends a quiver through my belly.

“Hmm?”

“I’ve got you,” he says, his voice steady and serious. I close my eyes, my stomach in knots. I let out a breath and I say, “Okay.”

I allow myself to fall, and just when I think I’ve made a huge mistake and I’m going to have a concussion or end up in the hospital, he catches me as those big, capable arms wrap around me.

The groups around us whoop with applause. He sets me up on my feet, and I turn around to face him. He’s smiling at me, genuinely—not one of those cocky smiles like he’s gotten something over on me or that he knows I’m dying for his hot body in my bed and he’s just tempting me with it, but a real smile like we’re friends. “You caught me,” I say, sounding more surprised than I should.

“Of course I caught you.”

Author Bio:

Melissa Chambers writes contemporary novels for young, new, and actual adults. A Nashville native, she spends her days working in the music industry and her nights tapping away at her keyboard. While she’s slightly obsessed with alt rock, she leaves the guitar playing to her husband and kid. She never misses a chance to play a tennis match, listen to an audiobook, or eat a bowl of ice cream. (Rocky road, please!) She has served as president for the Music City Romance Writers and is the author of the Love Along Hwy 30A series, the Before Forever series (YA), and Courting Carlyn (YA).

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon

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Giveaway – The Secrets We Conceal by S R Fabrico @iReadBookTours @StacyRowe1

Posted on April 18, 2022 by fundinmental

Join us for this tour from Apr 11 to Apr 29, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title: The Secrets We Conceal by S.R. Fabrico
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 300 pages
Genre: Coming of Age, Women’s, Psychological and Family, Relationships Abuse/Child Abuse
Publisher: S.R. Fabrico
Release date: March 15, 2022
Content Rating: R. Maybe more PG-13 +M. There are 3 chapters of sexual abuse and approximately 5 total curse words.

Book Description:

A riveting coming of age story, that will make you laugh, cry and root for Laura to find happiness.
Laura Shirk is a normal, happy, go-lucky, little girl playing with Cabbage Patch dolls and Legos. Until she isn’t. Set in the late 1980s-early 90s, a visit to her aunt and uncle’s house changes everything.

What follows is a nerve-racking story shedding light on child sexual abuse. As the tragedy unfolds, Laura mutters through life concealing her secret from everyone. Feeling alone and isolated, she struggles to navigate her younger years wondering if she can or will ever find happiness.

Then, Laura meets ‘the perfect man’ for her. Can he heal her heart and break down her steel walls?

The Secrets We Conceal, S.R. Fabrico’s debut novel is a riveting coming of age story that beautifully conveys how love and strength can heal all wounds.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
B&N ~ iBooks
BookBub
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Born a raised a Yankee who loves NY style pizza and Philly cheesesteaks. I was introduced to the amazing world of Southern BBQ after moving to Tennessee where I live with my husband and two children. My family is my main priority, everything I do is for them. I attended college in the 90’s and received a degree in mathematics with a minor in secondary education, I went on to coach cheerleading and dance for 20 years and won a Hip Hop Dance World Championship. Anything and everything creative are my absolute favorite, so writing has always been a hobby. When I’m writing, I like to wife hard, mom hard, paint, read good books and watch good movies.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram

Tour Schedule:

April 11 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
April 12 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
April 13 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
April 14 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
April 15 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
April 18 –Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
April 18 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
April 19 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
April 19 – My Fictional Oasis – book review
April 20 – StoreyBook Reviews – book review / giveaway
April 21 – @twilight_reader – book review / giveaway
April 22 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
April 22 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
April 25 – Books for Books – book spotlight
April 26 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
April 27 – The Page Ladies – book review / giveaway
April 27 – My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
April 27 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
April 28 – Ravenz Reviewz – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
April 29 – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
April 29 – Novels Alive – book spotlight / giveaway
April 29 – Novels Alive – book review

Enter the Giveaway:

THE SECRETS WE CONCEAL Book Tour Giveaway

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Giveaway – First Comes Love by Rachael Brownell @xpressoTours

Posted on April 16, 2022 by fundinmental

First Comes Love
Rachael Brownell
Publication date: April 14th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

For lovers of second chances, small town romances, and happily ever afters…

Chloe

They say everyone has one true love, one person who was made just for them. A person they were meant to spend the rest of their life with. Who souls are intertwined.

For me, that person was Wyatt.

Our love was perfect. When we were together, nothing else mattered. Not college. Not our parents. Because our relationship wasn’t about anyone else.

We had big plans for our future together.

The thing about life… it doesn’t always go as planned.

It’s been five years since I’ve been home. Since I’ve laid eyes on the only man I’ll love in this lifetime.

And in a town this small, there’s no chance I’ll be able to avoid him for long. Or anyone else from my past.

Addison

From the moment I first laid eyes on Adam, I knew I was in trouble. There was a tension between us, chemistry I couldn’t deny. The way he was looking at me, as if he could see straight into my soul, sent my heart into overdrive.

After an hour together, I knew. He was the one. The one who would make me want to change everything. Who could make me believe in love again. In the idea of happily ever afters.

And he did.

His love and two tiny pink lines were about to change my entire life.

The thing about life… it doesn’t always go as planned.

I’ve been here before. It was the worst experience of my life and I’m not sure I’ll survive this time.

Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Flipping my light on, I lift my window and slide out onto the roof of the porch. Looking over the edge, my eyes meet Wyatt’s and realize how real his fear is. His eyes are wide, and his hands are shaking as he grips the sides of the ladder, his foot poised on the bottom rung.

“I’m right here. You can do this. I promise,” I say with confidence.

Nodding, Wyatt slowly climbs the ladder, his eyes never leaving mine. Once he’s safely on the roof, he scrambles through my window, sitting on the floor inside my window. Climbing in behind him, I find him panting heavily, a panic attack on the horizon.

Holding him in my arms until he calms down, I rub my hand up and down his back and kiss the top of his head. I’ve had one panic attack in my life, and it wasn’t pleasant. If I had known that this would send him spiraling into one, I never would have asked him to do it. I would have found another way.

“I’m sorry,” I say when his breathing finally returns to normal.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

“Um, yes there is. I pushed you to climb that ladder. If I had known—”

“It’s not something I’m proud of, but heights scare the shit out of me. They always have. I don’t know why but there was going to come a time I was going to have to face that fear, and tonight turned out to be the night. At least it was for a good reason,” he replies, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

“Oh yeah? I’m a good reason.”

“The best reason. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Chloe. You have to know that by now. I love you.”

And just like that, my world turned upside down. All it took were three little words.

He’d never said them before, but I knew how he felt. I felt the same. Falling in love with Wyatt had been easy. We’d been together for four months and I’d fallen for him a little more each day. It was the little things like the way he looked at me or how he showed me he cared.

Tonight, on the floor of my bedroom, I fell the rest of the way. I knew he was the one. We were meant to meet, to find each other. One night changed everything for both of us.

“I love you too,” I reply, pressing my lips to his.

Author Bio:

Rachael Brownell is an Amazon bestselling author of contemporary, New Adult, and YA romance.

She lives in Michigan with her husband, son, snuggly dog, and hateful cat. She moonlights as a bartender a few days a week (her excuse to get out of the house and socialize) and writes full time. She published her first novel in 2013 and since she’s released more than 30 additional titles.

Rachael writes all kinds of romance – dark, sexy, sweet. She started her career writing young-adult romance and as she matured, so did her characters and her writing. These days, Rachael writes steamy, new adult romance. Her favorite tropes to write are small-town and friends to lovers.

When she’s not hiding in her office, writing her next novel, you can find her hanging out with her family, watching her son play baseball, or running on the treadmill at the gym (though she skips more days than she goes).

Website / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Pinterest / Newsletter

GIVEAWAY!
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Hosted by:

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Giveaway – Ethereal Bodies by Ali Lucia Sky @AliLuciaSky1 @XpressoTours

Posted on April 15, 2022 by fundinmental

Ethereal Bodies
Ali Lucia Sky
(The Powers That Be, #3)
Publication date: April 11th 2022
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

What happens when a Maker falls in love and no amount of wishing will bring back his soulmate?

Lexa Penby has always been happy being the loyal friend. She knows her worth and forgiving the Maker, Tristan, for his many transgressions is a big ask. When it’s revealed that thanks to him and her best friend, Thea, her old life is over. She has to make the ultimate choice.

Meanwhile, the demon world has re-awakened and one mate is committing the most consummate betrayal.

Note: ETHEREAL BODIES is a New Adult book and for readers over the age of 18+ due to sexual content, substance abuse, references to sexual assault and profanity.

October 11, 2021 – The Dream Keepers
February 8, 2022 – Wishcraft
April 11, 2022 – Ethereal Bodies

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“I don’t even like y’all fuckers anymore,” Gwen harrumphs. “You’re annoying, Lex. I really hate that Mickey’s a better mean girl than me when she wants to be. She can’t do that. That’s my role. And I hate that Thea just walked in here and stole everyone away–except Megan, and let’s be honest, she’s the booby prize.” She slaps her hands on her lap and looks miserable. “I guess I’ll notify AAMU of my acceptance. My dad’s going to have a shitfit that we can’t get the application fee back from PUH. I’ll start looking at Gen-Ed courses tonight.”

She stands and stretches. “I hate you, you horrid fuck, Lexa. I really hope y’all are worth it. Now press them titties against mine!” She opens her arms. “Bring it in, Penby.”

I smirk and move in for a hug.

“Nothing feels better than girl tits against girl tits.” She snuggles in closer and presses her face against mine. “Well, I guess that isn’t true. But it is the best thing you can do with a girl with her clothes on.” Gwen murmurs in my ear wiggling to hug me tighter, pushing her knee between mine and her thigh into the juncture of my thighs. “You’re soft, Penby.”

“You’re a hair away from a sexual assault, Lapsley,” I say laughing. “But, thanks. The boobs are wasted on me. No one has touched them other than me and an occasional accidental grope from Michaela during her sleep, in a not sexy way.”

Gwen pulls back far enough for us to be nose to nose. “You really didn’t fuck that hot motherfucker?”

I shake my head. Gwen hugs me again and wiggles suggestively against me. “I will totally pity fuck you, Lex.”

I close my eyes tight and shake with laughter. Pulling away I hold up a hand, “No need, I’m good.”

Gwen grabs my hand. “It’s not a new thing for me. I’m good at it. Bi-wonderous even. I’m fucking aces at eating bitches out. Take off those leggings and let’s play doctor.” She pinches the fabric from the side of my hip and tugs them down.

“NO! Hard pass!” I laugh and turn away from her, moving to my dresser to pick up her keys then tossing them to her.

“Fine. I’ve got shit to do.” Gwen sighs. “I’m leaving the offer on the table. You are a hot piece of ass, and women need to help each other out. Especially friends. Pussy Power!”

I nod my head slowly and mouth the words ‘pussy power’ back at her. She holds up her hand for a fist bump and heads out.

Author Bio:

Ali Lucia Sky is the author of The Powers That Be series. She lives in Southern California with her husband and a house full of kitty cats and a yard full of crows.

She loves laughing, drinking good coffee, the smell of pizza, and supporting animal rescues.

When she isn’t writing or dreaming of new stories, she can be found planning her next vacation because traveling is LIFE.

If you encounter her in the wild, don’t be offended if she should run away. She’s timid with strangers, but can be plied with shiny things and pictures of your cat or dog.

She’s a weirdo like that.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / TikTok / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!
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Hosted by:

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Giveaway – The Royal Fifth by James Peyton @GoddessFish

Posted on April 15, 2022 by fundinmental

The Royal Fifth by James Peyton

GENRE: Adventure Thriller

NOTE: The book is on sale for $0.99

BLURB

The Royal Fifth: The amount of stolen treasure Conquistadors were supposed to give to the Spanish Crown.

In a world corrupted by its past, what could turn a sensitive artist into a killer?

Young Santa Fe artist, Martín Cortés, is devastated by the deaths of family members and the loss of a huge emerald that once belonged to Hernán Cortés.

Colin Glendaring, a disgraced archeologist with an insatiable passion for pre-Columbian artifacts, is responsible. Martín learns that another family descended from the Spanish Conqueror lives in Oaxaca. Rather than kill Glendaring, he heads south. He discovers an unconventional household that includes Ilhui, a beautiful young woman with a dangerous political agenda.

Martín is stunned when he learns how the family manages to live so well…then alarmed when he discovers that Glendaring is on his way to Oaxaca. Martín and Ilhui are soon accused of murder. On the run, they are betrayed, and Ilhui is kidnapped by a guerilla leader known for recreating grisly Aztec rituals.

With time running out, Martín makes a pact with a ruthless army officer and a crooked federal policeman. Will it be a deal with the devil, or can he do what has to be done to save his new family and love?

EXCERPT

EL PASO, PRESENT TIME

Martín Cortés stood on the pedestrian approach to the international bridge that would take him into Mexico. Through the pollution that daily turned the high-desert air of Ciudad Juárez into a toxic haze, he focused on the nearby vehicle traffic. The U.S.-bound lanes were choked with line after line of barely moving cars and trucks. Turning to the southbound lanes, he watched the sparse traffic moving fast and free.

He looked back at the new-old skyline of downtown El Paso and dwelled for a moment on the tragic events of the last few months. He knew what had happened. Why they’d happened still eluded him. The inner voice that brought him to this place told him all would soon be revealed. And then he wondered: Is that destiny or some karmic trickster? He shook his head. Only time would tell.

Turning again, he raised his eyes to the smog-shrouded sprawl beyond the border where his trip would begin. He had no idea where it would end. He took a deep breath, fished in his pocket for the bridge toll, and resumed his southbound journey.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Award-winning Author James Peyton infuses his novels with stranger-than-fiction encounters and true-to-life characters based on his extensive travel and research. Realism in his plots and action comes from that background and his experience in martial arts and tactical firearms.

The Royal Fifth is based loosely on historical events surrounding the Conqueror, Hernán Cortés, brought into the present time. It will be followed by a mystery-thriller series featuring federal policeman, Artemas Salcido. Artemas is the illegitimate son of a Mexican governor and his Yaqui servant. Following his mother’s suspicious death, he was sent to be raised by the village priest. He attended Harvard on a scholarship and returned to Mexico vowing to fight corruption—only to receive his real education, where the grade is often life or death.

Website: jameswpeyton.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/216986.James_W_Peyton
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/James-W.-Peyton/e/B001K7XKJA

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Follow the tour HERE.

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Giveaway – The Benevolence of New Ideas by Carmela Cattuti @ccattuti @GoddessFish

Posted on April 14, 2022 by fundinmental

The Benevolence of New Ideas by Carmela Cattuti

GENRE: Historical Fiction

BLURB

The satisfying conclusion to Angela Lanza’s story which began in Between the Cracks when she loses her entire family in the earthquake on Sicily following the 1908 eruption of Mt. Etna and continues in The Ascent as she adjusts to life in the United States as a new bride and Italian American immigrant. Now, in the final installment in the trilogy, The Benevolence of New Ideas, thrusts Angela and her family into the heart of the Vietnam War and the turbulent times of the 1970s. As the family matriarch, Angela guides her niece, Marie, through these challenges and the era’s limiting structures of education and organized religion, helping Marie to embrace new ideas and expand her intuition and relationship with the unseen world. Angela’s compassion and wisdom has an exceptional impact on Marie’s life and those around her. A fulfilling ending that celebrates Angela’s wisdom in all things along with her well lived life from tragedy to triumph and from heartbreak to the enduring love of family.

EXCERPT

Angela had cared for Franco during his long illness, and now she was free. The relief she felt made her cringe. How could she so easily feel relief when Franco had suffered? She grieved but was thankful there would be no more concerns about leaving him home alone, or trips to the doctor, or Franco insisting he could perform a task when he couldn’t. He had emigrated from Sicily at age twelve 12 in the early 20th century full of energy and promise. Now, in 1968, Angela looked back and felt he had been successful in fulfilling that promise. Franco had brought Angela, at age eighteen, from the convent orphanage in Palermo, where she had lived since the 1908 earthquake, to a new life in Nelsonville, New York, about forty-five minutes north of Manhattan. It was not the life she thought she would have in America, but what she had created in America she never would have had the opportunity to experience had she stayed in Sicily.

Angela kissed Franco several times on both cheeks and on the lips. The doctors had said it was a matter of time until he would pass away. She could see death hovering and begin to slowly drape his body from his head to his feet as if giving Angela time to say good-bye.

“Adio mio caro,” whispered Angela. “Grazie di tutto.” Tears rolled down her face onto Franco’s cheek and mouth. His eyes were open and fixed, as if peering into the world beyond. She put her hands on the sides of his face and with her thumbs closed his eyes.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Carmela Cattuti started her writing career as a journalist for the Somerville News in Boston, MA. After she finished her graduate work in English Literature from Boston College she began to write creatively and taught a journal writing course at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education. As fate would have it, she felt compelled to write this homage to her great-aunt, who survived the earthquake and eruption of Mt. Etna and bravely left Sicily to start a new life in America.

Between the Cracks and The Ascent began the story, which now concludes with the final book in the trilogy.

Learn more at: CCattutiCreative.com