Book Blast for Secrets of a Real-Life Female Private Eye by Colleen Collins

Posted on September 9, 2013 by fundinmental

As soon as I saw the cover I wanted in on this Book Blast for Secrets of a Real-Life Female Private Eye by Colleen Collins. Doesn’t it peek your curiosity?

I am a thriller and suspense lover and I think this will be an awesome book to add to my TBR. So read on and see if it is one that you feel must be on yours.

SYNOPSIS

SECRETS OF A REAL-LIFE FEMALE PRIVATE EYE includes such topics as the history of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and its hiring of the first U.S. female private eye, Kate Warne; advantages and dangers of being a current-day female P.I.; tools of the investigative trade, from interactive crime maps to smartphone apps; a sampling of cases, from paranormal to criminal investigations; tips from a P.I., including free online searches, how to find lost pets, ways to defeat a cyberstalker; and tips for sending untraceable emails; an overview of three classic TV female private eyes and much more.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Colleen Collins (colleencollinsbooks.com) is an award-winning author who’s written several dozen novels for Harlequin and Dorchester. Based on her experiences as a private detective, she has also written several nonfiction books about private investigations, including her new release SECRETS OF A REAL-LIFE FEMALE PRIVATE EYE. She’s a member of the Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) and Sisters in Crime. When not sleuthing, Colleen’s hanging with her two Rottweilers (named Jack Nicholson and Aretha Franklin), her three cats, and plotting or writing her next book.

About Colleen Collins:
Website

GIVEAWAY

3 Winners will receive an E-Copy of Secrets of a Real-Life Private Eye by Colleen Collins.
1 Winner will receive a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.
Must be 13+ to Enter
International Giveaway

a Rafllecopter giveaway

To grab your copy or find out more about Colleen Collins, 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 on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Grand Finale Wrapup for Shudder by Samantha Durante

Posted on September 7, 2013 by fundinmental

Samantha Durante has written another hit. Shudder, Book II of the Stitch Trilogy continues where Stitch left off. I can hardly wait to see where Stuck, Book III of the Stitch Trilogy will go.

The Highlight Tour with Prism Book Tours

& Samantha’s Summer Tour

Shudder

348 pages

Published June 15, 2013

It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa’s life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she’d counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she’d thought she’d tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she’s discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering “stitch” unlocked something in Alessa’s mind, and now she can’t shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers – and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world’s sorry history – will soon leave Alessa reeling…

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The Highlight Tour

8/24 – 9/1

Sharing some of the best of the summer-long tour

24 – The Reading Diaries – The Mystery!

Why does Alessa keep feeling something following them through the woods? – Review at Here’s the Story

Review:

Shudder is filled with surprises around every corner, keeping me guessing till the very end.

– The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl – Raving Fans!

Can I just freaking say how much I LOVE this series?! Stitch was good. Shudder? AMAZINGLY AMAZING!!! I can’t even express how much I just LOVE LOVE LOVED this book. Everything about it was perfection. – Review at Literary Meanderings

– Rose & Beps Blog – Crushing on Side Characters!

Lizzie: I’ll support whoever can deliver that future, whether it’s the rebels or even the leaders of Paragon, if they were willing to change. I do believe in second chances. – Character Interview at Mousehead & Tales

25 – Chapter Break – Vile Villainy!

Samantha: …the Engineers(the bad guys) are based on a variety of people I’ve met and disliked over the years for their general arrogance and lack of ability to connect with people (though I’m not naming names, haha). – Interview at Joanna In the Sky With Books:

Review:

I enjoyed the merging of genre and thought it was a unique twist on sci-fi and dystopia, with a little paranormal aspect until we learn otherwise.

– Wonderings of One Person – Review

Shudder by Samantha Durante is a deeply touching and sensational story of discovery and freedom laden with heavy doubts and uncomfortable choices. I was swept away…

– Mortal Moments – Crushing on Characters!

Do YOU have any favourite fiction crushes or book boyfriends? Care to share them… so we can all swoon together! 🙂

Issac is one to add to the list of “book boyfriends”. – Review at A Thousand Lives

26 – A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner – Review

…what an ENDING! This story is keeping my head bent to my kindle. Ms Durante has IT, ladies and gentlemen. That thing that some authors have that just keep you turning the pages…

27 – Kindred Dreamhart – Catch some STYLE!

look 2

– The Bookish Daydreamer – OMG Endings!

Samantha: My favorite scene to write in Shudder was definitely the big revelation in the very last chapter. Heart-wrenching. – Interview at Lovely Reads

– Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Developing Deep Characters

Things get even more complicated when Alessa discovers something new about herself, a twist that I sure never saw coming. Again kudos Samantha for a great job well done. ~Review at Total Book Nerds

28 – YA Book Addict – Review

The one constant thought that kept coming at me while I was reading Shudder was the originality of it. I remember feeling the exact same way while I was reading Stitch. Personally, I have never read anything like it before and I have to give huge applause to an author who can create such a fantastically original, well written, engaging piece of writing.

– Library of a Book Witch – POV Perfection!

…the transitions between character to character are smooth and never feel unnatural or jarring, each character’s situation has a different aura to it, I could immediately tell which character I was currently reading about… Review at Book Adoration.

– Mommasez… – Writerly Wisdom

Do what you love. – Guest Post “Celebrating the Stitch 1 Year Anniversary” at Head Stuck in a Book

Imagine the world ended tomorrow. – Guest Post “Family & Relationships in a Dying World” at My World in Words and Pages

Review

Samantha teases us with two girls, one stoned by an angry mob, the other in a prison cell. We don’t know who is who. And it’s deliciously mysterious!!

29 – Mel’s Shelves – Praise for Pacing!

Fast paced with not a single dull moment, this book will have you turning pages until the end. – Review at Little Hyuts

Review

Oh, my! Dystopia at its finest! A quick word on Stitch (book 1): It had been a while since I’d read what it was about so I just started reading. It seemed like a nice time travel romance with a hint of something else and then BAM!, in came the dystopia element. At that point, I couldn’t put it down…

– Fundinmental – Painstakingly Plotted World

The complexity of the plot and the dynamics have you wondering what exactly Samantha has in her mind to be able to imagine this complex world. I never one time imagined that what happens in the book could actually happen but now the idea is planted firmly in my mind. It is a little freaky. – Review at Cynthia Shepp Book Reviews & Editing

Review:

Shudder… has so many things going on that, at times, I was torn about where I wanted the story to go.

30 – Literary Meanderings – Top Ten Raving Fan Moments!

Shudder is one of the best dystopians I’ve read so far! It’s so intense, so captivating. There’s a lot in it, and it’s so well written. The action, the suspense, the thrill… All of it will leave you begging for more. I know I am! Samantha, you’ve really set the bar with this one. I enjoyed every second of it. ~ Review at City of Books

31 – My Devotional Thoughts – More Crushing On Characters!

Isaac Sttich Trilogy

Interview with Isaac at Always YA at Heart

– Green Mountain Couple – More Vile Villainy!

“The memory alteration research mentioned some, well, unfortunate side effects…” – Guest Post at Crys Book Reviews

Review

I absolutely LOVE LOVED this book. It was one of those books that I picked up and didn’t want to set back down even after it was finished.

Sept. 1 – The Book Rogue – Review

Some things were not that unusual for a Dystopian, but there were also some shocking aspects — in the regard that I don’t find them too absurd to actually happen, like right now. Genius and insanity are utterly and truly a very fine line that tends to blur a lot.

Quote:

“What we haven’t told you yet–“

He paused, searching her eyes before he dropped his bombshell.

“– is that the outbreak wasn’t exactly a mistake.”

See what you’re missing… read Stitch & Shudder now!!

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

Also available in the iTunes store, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold!

Samantha Durante, Author of the Stitch Trilogy

Samantha Durante

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Tour-Wide Giveaway:

5 Winners. August 24 – September 16, 2013

* Signed print copy of Stitch & Shudder for you and two friends (USA only)

* Signed (via Authorgraph) e-book copies of Stitch & Shudder for you and two friends (Int’l)

* Signed Stitch & Shudder bookmarks + e-book copies of Stitch & Shudder (Int’l)

* $10 Amazon Gift Card (Int’l)

* $5 Amazon Gift Card (Int’l)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Cover Reveal – Starstruck by Adalynn Quinn

Posted on September 6, 2013 by fundinmental

Title: Starstruck By Adalynn Quinn

Release Date: October 7th, 2013 (Pre-order available mid-September)
Genre: Contemporary Romance suitable for readers 18+ years due to sexual content.

BLURB

Fusion is a book series of five band mates and their separate stories before and after a catastrophic event that both brings them closer together, but also tears them apart.

CBL Book Tours This is the start of Indi and Xander’s story.

Two broken people seek solace from their painful pasts meet at a poignant time.
Indi Devereux, a gifted music student and Xander Keats, world renowned rockstar and stinking rich playboy start an anonymous fling during a secluded holiday in Sicily.

Neither were interested in anything long term but sometimes life doesn’t always go to plan.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As well as writing, Jo also enjoys reading; her favourite classics include Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion and Jane Eyre having studied English Literature before moving onto Art and Graphic Design. Current genre of choice on her iPad are dark, angsty steamy romances. Particular favourites at the moment are by S.C Stephens, Abbi Glines, R K Lilley, Sylvia Day and Jodi Ellen Malpas. Jo is also a regular visitor to eBook readers anonymous to keep her addiction under control.

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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cbl blog button

Grand Finale for Shudder, Book II of the Stitch Trilogy by Samantha Durante with Review

Posted on August 29, 2013 by fundinmental

Samantha Durante has written a unique tale of science fiction. I am honored to be a part of this fantastic tour. Congratulations Samantha and I can hardly wait for Book III.

The Highlight Tour with Prism Book Tours& Samantha’s Summer Tour

The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante’s shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.

Shudder

348 pages

Published June 15, 2013

— Book 2 in the Stitch Trilogy —

It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.

And then there are the visions.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

Also available in the iTunes store, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold!

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MY REVIEW OF SHUDDDER

Alessa is finally learning what the Stitch is all about.

Now, she has a mission. She wants to get it done so she can go home. She has no idea if Janie is dead or alive. It had broken her heart to leave her behind.

The Mission:

1. Find the rebels base.

2. Figure out who is the enemy.

3. Avoid the creatures.

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The cover for Shudder is very pretty. I like that the covers of the trilogy are similar.

Samantha Durante’s second book of the trilogy, Shudder, is another resounding hit. It has so many things going on that, at times, I was torn about where I wanted the story to go. There is much to decipher, while she weaves her way through the hidden pitfalls.

Alessa left Pargon and her sister behind her to be with Isaac. But she could not forget about Joe, even though it was jeopardizing her relationship with Isaac. I’m thinking there must be a reason that Joe is on her mind so much. Will we see him again?

The nuclear winter caused when the bombs fell created famines. As the viral epidemic decimated the population and people became more and more desperate to survive, there was a group of men who figured out a solution. But, it is not a solution that anyone in their right mind could believe would work. I wonder if the same would happen in the real world.

The saying: “History repeats itself” is so pertinent to the events happening to Alessa.

It makes me think of the Holocaust and and the evil that spawned from the minds of some evil men who thought they had all the answers. It, also, makes me think of American politics at this time, how a few can disregard the many, for their own gains.

It is amazing to me that the egos of some people allow them to think they have all answers and, therefore, have the right to play God.

The thought of a virus wiping out the majority of the Earth’s population is something real. Just think – due to rapid means of travel, a virus could be spread world-wide before it is even recognized. I have talked to a doctor who believes that is what will be our downfall.

Would our governments step in and decide who would live and who would die? What do you think?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest and unbaised review. I was eagerly waiting for Book II of the Stich Trilogy and would have written the review regardless. Now I am waiting for Book III so I can see how Alessa’s story ends.

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GUEST POST

Painstakingly Plotted World

Review at Frodo’s Blog of Randomness (good comments here on POVs)

The plot! People, the twists and turns in this book?! Seriously, it’s amazing how Durante keeps you on your toes throughout. I kept thinking I had everything figured out and then BAM, another wrench thrown into what I thought I knew. There are conflicts of interest between characters, on opposite sides and even on their own. Dangers lurk around every corner. New abilities are just waiting to be discovered! How do you get better than that? Awesome.

Review at Wintry Words

Starting Shudder, I had little idea where the story was going to go. I had little predictions that might go somewhere, but in the end…nothing went as planned. Shudder has so ferociously shown me how quickly good things can turn bad. When things should’ve been heart-lifting, but ended up heartbreaking. There wasn’t a moment where I was privy to the whole plot. Samantha keeps you guessing throughout every page, ever chapter. Roads she could’ve led the plot down are erased and then rewritten. She puppeteers the story into a direction you wouldn’t think possible. Yet again Samantha breaks all boundaries before set.

Review at Cynthia Shepp Book Reviews & Editing

The complexity of the plot and the dynamics have you wondering what exactly Samantha has in her mind to be able to imagine this complex world. I never one time imagined that what happens in the book could actually happen but now the idea is planted firmly in my mind. It is a little freaky. While reading the book, you will do nothing but search your mind, wondering what in the world could happen next, and you would be wrong every time.

Review at Dark Obsession Chronicles

I’m having trouble wrapping my head around all the revelations, and questions Shudder contained. Yet another noodle warp. … Stitch really did set it up, but like Neo found out in the Matrix, that rabbit hole is one freaky mother. … I was surprised, confused, hopeful, frustrated, elated, and flabbergasted at times while reading Shudder. That is a sign right there. Any book that can give you some sort of emotional roller coaster (but not a traumatizing one,) is definite re-read material.

Review at Nette’s Bookshelf

I find the juxtaposition of Paragon and our society fascinatingly similar. Similar in that we are so enamored or distracted by “reality t.v” and the lives of others that we forget about what’s going on “out there” in the real world. I also find similarities with the ruling class and our government but I’m going to stop at this sentence, lest I get away from myself and begin discussing politics and world issues and other topics that have nothing to do with my review of a book. And that whole issue with the food? One word. Monsanto. Anyway, I’m getting away from myself here…What I’m trying to say is, Samantha Durante creatively and cleverly devised a story that’s based on real-life ideas and turned it into a thought provoking novel.

Interview at Passionate Book Divas

Something about the dystopian genre has always drawn me to it even since I was a little kid. I vividly remember reading The Giver back in sixth grade and I just loved how much it made me think. I guess that’s true of science fiction in general – I love trying to picture how we could get from where we are today to one of these crazy future societies.

Guest Post at Book Briefs

To me, there’s nothing creepier than a place that’s *supposed* to be filled with people, but isn’t Being alone in a big, quiet place just sets my primal instinct sirens wailing. My heart starts fluttering in anticipation of the need to run or fight, and every tiny noise rings in my ears like a cannon blast. It was this eerie feeling – of being utterly alone, but at the same time, not feeling in any way secure – that I sought to recreate in Shudder.

Review at Fuonlyknew

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Durante, Author of the Stitch Trilogy

As an avid lifelong reader of fiction of all sorts, there’s nothing I find more engrossing than an epic sci-fi/fantasy/romance series. I’ve whiled away countless weekends of my life immersed in richly-woven worlds that someone else was kind enough to put on paper… about the author

Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Stitch

314 pages

Published August 1st, 2012

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence… Goodreads

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Tour-Wide Giveaway:

5 Winners. August 24 – September 16, 2013. See Rafflecopter for restrictions.

* Signed print copy of Stitch & Shudder for you and two friends (USA only)

* Signed (via Authorgraph) e-book copies of Stitch & Shudder for you and two friends (Int’l)

* Signed Stitch & Shudder bookmarks + e-book copies of Stitch & Shudder (Int’l)

* $10 Amazon Gift Card (Int’l)

* $5 Amazon Gift Card (Int’l)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Highlight Tour

Sharing Top Highlights from the Summer-Long Tour!

August dates:

24 – The Reading Diaries – Review

– The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl

– Rose & Beps Blog

25 – Chapter Break – Review

– Wonderings of One Person – Review

– Mortal Moments

26 – A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner – Review

– Kindred Dreamhart

27 – YA Book Addict – Review

– The Bookish Daydreamer

– Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf

28 – Library of a Book Witch

– Mommasez… – Review

29 – Mel’s Shelves – Review

– Fundinmental

30 – Green Mountain Couple

– Literary Meanderings

31 – Donnie Darko Girl – Review

– My Devotional Thoughts

Sept. 1 – The Book Rogue

GRAND FINALE

You can pick your Amazon copy by clicking on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Cover Reveal for The Darkest Joy by Marata Eros – NYTBS Author

Posted on August 28, 2013 by fundinmental

Title: The Darkest Joy

Author: Marata Eros

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Expected release: February 18, 2014

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Age Group: New Adult

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SYNOPSIS

A sexy and poignant new adult novel from New York Times bestseller Marata Eros, about two lost souls who find each other in the wake of tragedy, only to learn that love may not be enough to heal the wounds of a dark and tortured past…

Twenty year-old Brooke Starr has escaped the aftermath of a brutal tragedy by abandoning her music studies and moving north to take a summer position as a part-time deck hand on a deep-sea fishing boat. When her survivor’s guilt becomes unbearable, Brooke realizes there’s only one thing she can do to finally erase the pain.

Deep sea fisherman, Chance Taylor, has just wrapped his guitar set at the local saloon when he sees the silhouette of a young woman in repose, the full moon highlighting her shadow as she plummets from a pier too high for diving… into water too cold to survive. Without thinking, he plunges in after her, saving Brooke from drowning.

As Chance works to save her from her own emotional fragility, Brooke finally begins to learn how to save herself. But when their chemistry begins to consume them, Brooke withdraws. She’s determined to be the master of her own destiny… until the past catches up with her in a cataclysmic plan so dark, so final… it threatens their love and their very lives.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marata Eros is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of dark, romantic new adult novels, including A Terrible Love and its companion novel A Brutal Tenderness. A passionate writer who loves interacting with her readers, Marata lives in South Dakota with her husband.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Giveaway Tour of Pelican Bay By Jesse Giles Christiansen

Posted on August 27, 2013 by fundinmental

The cover is awesome. I love everything about it. The Captain’s old eyes make me wonder what he is thinking. The font tells me there is much more than a mystery coming at me. The lightening means there is a storm coming and I wonder who will be left standing when it is over. The colors help lend an aura of menace to the overall fantastic package.

BE SURE and watch the trailer. If my description of the cover didn’t help draw you in and make you want to read the book, the creepy trailer will.

Book Details:
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Published by: Imajin Books
Release Date: (July 20, 2013)
Number of Pages: ~300

SYNOPSIS

Some things are better left alone…

After Ethan Hodges discovers an undersea cemetery just off the beach of Pelican Bay, South Carolina, he seeks answers from a grandfatherly fisherman named Captain Shelby. The captain wants the past to remain buried, and he warns Ethan to stay away. But Ethan doesn’t listen.

Ethan’s best friend and secret love interest, Morgan Olinsworth, joins in the investigation, unearthing intriguing secrets about the mysterious fisherman. When Captain Shelby is suspected of murder and disappears, a manhunt ensues, revealing a truth that unnerves everyone in Pelican Bay.

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MY REVIEW

Ethan was intrigued by the stones jutting above the water. He had to see them for himself.

It was an underwater graveyard.

Ethan talked his friend, Morgan into diving with him to see if they could find any names on the stones.

Morgan was a librarian, so when they found a name, she began to investigate.

Their search took them in an unexpected and dangerous direction.

Did Captain Shelby have all the answers?

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I saw the beautiful and intriguing cover and the title and knew I would have to be a part of the tour. I love legends of the sea.

Pelican Bay is a ghost story that has a gothic feel to it. The writing made me think of the term “waxing poetic”. At first it annoyed me and I thought, do I even want to read this? But I read on and am glad I did. The book subtly sneaks up on me and the need to know the answers grasps me and won’t let me go. It went from – I don’t think I can get past the first chapter to – hey, this isn’t so bad to – I can’t put it down until I know…

As I got into Ethan’s story, I could visualize the grizzled, old sea Captain and the water that was the lifeblood of Pelican Bay.

“In Pelican Bay, the sea was the Hand of God.”

It is also a love story. Ethan Hodges has been in love with Morgan as long as he can remember, but she won’t even discuss their relationship. She won’t even look him in the eye. It seemed pretty pathetic to me.

The characters are unique and my feelings about them bounced back and forth, like a tennis ball, throughout the book.

Instead of a grown man, Ethan seemed like a love struck teenager. I really didn’t like him pining for Morgan’s unrequited love, following her around like a puppy dog begging for a pat on the head. Even the characters tell him to man up. LOL But, I did love his adventurous spirit.

And Morgan? I thought she was a nutcase. But, yes, another but, she does get caught up in Ethan’s desire to find out about the Captain and the graveyard.

Now, the old sea Captain, Shelby, I loved him. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. Maybe that is what intrigued me about him. Was he just an old sea captain? Was he even a man? Was he a god?

Nereus – Greek god know as “the old man of the sea.”

Jesse’s vivid descriptions made me feel as if I was there. I could smell the water and feel the salt spray misting on my skin. I could feel the sand shifting under me as I sat on the beach, watching the waves. I have always loved doing that. I find it very soothing and I lose track of time, as wave after wave rolls in. I love listening to the sound of the waves pounding on the seashore, watching the water recede back to where it came from.

I love body surfing, with or without a board, rushing through the water on the top of the wave. Turning around and paddling back out to do it again and again.

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

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review for Great Escapes Book Tours. Thank you Jesse and Great Escapes for the opportunity to read and review the book. I look forward to reading more of Jesse Giles Christiansen’s work.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jesse Giles Christiansen is an American author who writes compelling literary fiction that weaves the real with the surreal. He attended Florida State University where he received his B.A. in English literature. His newest novel, “Pelican Bay,” focuses on a very old fisherman, Captain Shelby, and the mysterious happenings linked to him surrounding a nosy, sea-battered beach town (release date: July 20th, 2013, Imajin Books). One of his literary goals is to write at least fifty novels, and he reminds himself always of something that Ray Bradbury once said: “You fail only if you stop writing.”

AUTHOR LINKS
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Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

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TOUR SCHEDULE

August 26 – readalot – Review & Giveaway
August 27 – fundinmental – Review & Giveaway
August 28 – Books4Tomorrow – Interview & Giveaway
August 29 – SavingFor6 – Review
August 30 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review, Interview & Giveaway
August 31 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review & Giveaway
September 1 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Interview & Giveaway
September 2 – Must Read Faster – Review
September 3 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review
September 4 – Musings and Ramblings – Interview & Giveaway
September 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review & Giveaway
September 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review & Interview

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Jesse Giles Christionsen is offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook to 1 (one) lucky commenter. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What do you think of the cover?

GIVEAWAY IS OVER AND THE WINNER IS – Sandy. Congratulations!!!

To purchase your copy of Pelican Bay, simply click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Tens Characters List – Keeper of Reign by Emma Right Giveaway

Posted on August 26, 2013 by fundinmental

I wanted to participate in this tour because of the beautiful cover. Then I read about the story and thought, how cool, I love elves and fairies.

Keeper of Reign

Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it?
For Jules, the heir of a Keeper, no less, suspects his family hides a forgotten secret. It was bad enough that his people, the Elfies of Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his purpose. Even the King’s Ancient Books, did not help ward off that anathema.
Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family. Why? Gehzurolle’s agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn’t get himself killed first.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

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Ten things you didn’t know about the Elfies and the characters in Reign.

Did you know that:

1. Jules was supposed to be named Jewels because his parents had thought they were going to have a girl? So, he actually hates his own name…poor guy.

2. In some ways you can say there are many Whisperers living in our society, in this day and age. Scary, right? Whisperer is the nay-sayer, the fear giver and rumor mongerer, the Doubt Monster. He comes to you in your dreams and in many guises…listen… had that negative thought? Ahh! Whisperer might just be next to you.

3.Tippy’s real name is Toepee because she has such large toes.

4.Tst Tst, the girl with the unpronounceable name, loves big words because she hasn’t found a word as difficult to pronounce as her own name.

5.When Ralston sleeps in the forest it’s hard to tell him apart from the forest elements about him–he’s such a sound sleeper and he blends with his sleeping environment.

6. The Elfies only eat natural food they cull from the forest, and they hardly eat meat except for fish and other fish products but what they really relish is frog’s meat–except the frog is bigger than they are, so it’s like the stone age people trying to catch a mammoth.

7.Honey is one of the Elfies’ staple which is probably why they are so healthy as honey has natural anti-bacterial properties. Is it any wonder they hardly fall sick? And they eat all the different herb, too.

8.One bee tree can feed an entire Elfie nation for a whole year–there are benefits to being small.

9.The Elfies have Books of Remembrances where they keep all sorts of momentos and pictures, sort of like a cross between a scrap-book and a photo album and a memory box.

10.A long time ago when the Elfies were first created they actually had the ability to fly, but through disuse and having forgotten they could actually soar like eagles, the Elfies of today can just walk and run, and most are even afraid of heights, like Jules.

Author Emma Right

Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. She loves the Lord and His Word deeply, and when she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.

Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.

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Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 9/5/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

To pick up your Amazon copy, simply click on the cover below.
To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Tour – In Shadows Of Magic by Alison F Prince

Posted on August 25, 2013 by fundinmental

Did you miss any of this tour? See it all at-a-glance and catch up on anything you missed!! Plus… enter to WIN every day! It’s the GRAND FINALE!!!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours…

In Shadows of Magic

by Alison F Prince

Published July 11, 2013 by Astraea Press

Mandy McKinney lives the charmed life. She is beautiful, athletic, popular, dating the hottest jock in school, and certainly doesn’t have any time for her loser twin sister. But Mandy also has a secret. When the truth is unveiled, her world is twisted upside down, and her very life is at stake.

Mandy’s twin sister, Brianna, has never had any success in the dating department. When Brianna finally meets the guy of her dreams, it turns out that he has secrets of his own. Dangerous secrets. Just her luck.

The twins are about to be swept away into a world of beauty and power beyond their wildest imaginations where nothing is what is seems, danger is lurking in the shadows, and their only chance of survival is finding themselves, and each other, once again.

Excerpt * Astreae Press * Goodreads

Alison F. Prince lives in Hoboken, NJ where she works as a school psychologist (M.A. Marist College), author, and jeweler. She is the author of In Shadows of Magic, a new YA novel out from Astraea Press (2013).

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonPrince13

Tumblr: http://alisonfprince.tumblr.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7172856.Alison_F_Prince

In Shadows of Magic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InShadowsofMagic

WordPress: http://alisonfprinceauthor.wordpress.com/

The Bea-YOU-tiful Tour

7-8 Multi-blog LAUNCH – Breaking News!!

9 – Mortal Moments – Set Goals, Work Hard & Be Proud of Your Accomplishments

10 – All That’s Written – Don’t Let Others Bring You Downplus… an Interview!

“My original title was “Imbalance of Power” which I loved…”

11 – Rose & Beps – Develop Your Own Style

– Intriguing Reads – Date Who You Want

12- Mel’s Shelves – Admit to Your Mistakes

– Moon Shine Art Spot – Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

13 – Kindle and Me – Review

I love that the girls figure out that magic doesn’t necessarily make life any better. You don’t know if people like you because of magic or for who you are.

15 –
Mythical Books – Choose True Friends

16 – One a Day YA – Be Brave

17 – Sun Mountain Reviews – Have Your Own Interests

18 – (Mis)Adventures of a

Twenty-Something Year Old Girl – Review

I think the title is a great pick for this book. Magic is the reason all these problems began, and magic could possibly be what saves them all.

19 –
Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner – Review

This book was a fun, quick read that sets the stage for future novels exploring more of Supertopia, vampires, shifters, etc. Oh, and that last line? Oooooooh.

20 –
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Be a Genuine Friend

21 – Grand
Finale

Tour-Wide Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card from Alison

10 eCopies of In Shadows of Magic by Alison F Prince from Astaea Press.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Tour – Keeper of Reign by Emma Right

Posted on August 24, 2013 by fundinmental

I wanted to participate in this tour because of the beautiful cover. Then I read about the story and thought, how cool, I love elves and fairies.

Keeper of Reign

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Author Emma Right

Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.

Facebook * Twitter * Website * Pinterest

Tour Schedule

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 9/6/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To pick up your Amazon copy, simply click on the cover below.
To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway – A Kiss to Die For by Gail Barrett

Posted on August 21, 2013 by fundinmental

BUY LINKS

Amazon / B & N

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BLURB

Homeless Army veteran Sullivan Turner is nobody’s hero. His failure to save his fallen comrades proved that. So when a gutsy social worker gets caught in a drug gang’s crosshairs, he knows he’s the last man who can safeguard her and the pregnant teenagers she’s trying to protect.

Former debutant Haley Barnes learned the hard way how to survive. After witnessing a cold-blooded murder, the terrified teenaged runaway changed her identity and hid to save her life. But when the killer tracks her down and attacks the girls in the homeless shelter she now runs, Haley knows the time has come to stand and fight. But to bring down the powerful killer she must confront her high-society family’s darkest secrets — and convince wounded warrior Sully Turner he’s the hero she believes.

EXCERPT

“I nearly got you killed tonight.”

“That wasn’t your fault. You didn’t bring the gang to the house.”

“But I wasn’t there to protect you when they showed up.”

“You were there when it counted.”

“But what if I hadn’t been?” Raw fear rang in his voice, his eyes so bleak that a heavy lump wedged in her throat.

And suddenly, she realized he wasn’t talking only about her. His fears went beyond the gang, beyond the danger shadowing their heels, to whatever had caused those flashbacks that plagued his nights. He believed that he’d failed someone. This courageous man was tortured by guilt.

But she knew him. Maybe she didn’t know much about his childhood or family. Maybe he hadn’t shared many details about his past. But she knew the essence of who he was.

And she’d bet her life on one immutable fact. Sully would fight to the death to protect the people he loved. He would never willingly give up. Whatever had happened in Afghanistan wasn’t his fault. How could he ever have doubts about that?

Unable to resist him, she tossed off her blankets and cupped his jaw with her hand, willing him to understand. “Sully… You’ve saved me so many times. Even when you didn’t know me, you risked your life for mine. You’ve come through for me time after time. And you’re the bravest man I’ve ever met.”

“You’re wrong. I’m not who you think I am.”

“You’re exactly who I think you are.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gail Barrett is the award-winning author of thirteen romantic suspense novels. A former RITA® and Daphne finalist, Gail has received the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion, the Booksellers Best, The National Readers’ Choice Award, and numerous other awards. She lives with her husband in Western Maryland. For more information, visit her website: www.gailbarrett.com.

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GIVEAWAY

Gail will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift certificate and either a signed print copy (US ONLY) or an electronic copy of Fatal Exposure (Buried Secrets book one) to one randomly drawn commenter during this tour and her other Super Book Blast on August 27th.

Follow the tour and comment. the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

TOUR SCHEDULE

Gail Barrett has many books to choose from. To get your copy of A Kiss To Die For, or to check out her other selections, just click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.