Book Blast Giveaway for Lord of the Vampires by Jeff Gunhus

Posted on October 6, 2013 by fundinmental

Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires

Jack is back.

After his adventures at the Monster Hunter Academy (which included fighting a goblin army, befriending an ancient werewolf, and battling two fire breathing dragons), Jack Templar was hoping for a rest. No such luck.
In Book #3 of the Jack Templar Monster Hunter series, Jack embarks on a quest to track down and acquire the first of the five mythical Jerusalem Stones, an ancient power found by his ancestors the Templar Knights. Only the reunited Stones can stop Ren Lucre, the Dark Lord who holds Jack’s father hostage and prepares for an all-out war against an unsuspecting human world. But each Stone is held by a different Creach Lord and recovering them will not be easy. Jack and his friends begin their quest by seeking out one of the most powerful and dangerous keepers of the Stones, the Lord of the Vampires. The fate of the world rests on Jack’s shoulders and he will be tested like never before. But true monster hunters always do their duty…come what may.
Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires.

Amazon

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy (Book 2)

After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter (Book 1)

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack’s fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it’s great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend “T-Rex” from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he’s the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he’s destined to be in the family business. Second, that there’s a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits…until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren’t enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the “One?” Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Jack Templar Monster Hunter was chosen as a Book of the Year Finalist by Foreword Reviews.

Author Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

To enter, click A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Ends 10/31/13

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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

To enter, click A Rafflecopter Giveaway

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Tour Schedule

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To grab a copy of any books by Jeff Gunhus, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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FREE – Joe by H D Gordon

Posted on October 3, 2013 by fundinmental

I have read most of H D Gordon’s books and Joe is next on my list. So grab your copy HERE!

Be sure and check for the “0”.

I love the EYE catching cover. How about you?

From the author of the Alexa Montgomery Saga, comes a book that will take you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people, and the world of a very special girl named Joe.

Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But in between these activities Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her.

Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary people.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa’s tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

STALK H D GORDON

Blog l Author Facebook Page l Twitter l Goodreads Author Page

H.D.Gordon Facebook page l Webpage l Goodreads Fan Club

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To pick up any of H D Gordon’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

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MY REVIEW: Blood Warrior: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book I by H D Gordon

MY 5 STAR REVIEW: Half Black Soul: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book II by H D Gordon

MY 5 STAR REVIEW: The Rise: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book III by H D Gordon

My 5 STAR REVIEW: Redemption: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book IV by H D Gordon

My 5 STAR REVIEW And Guest Post: Shooting Stars, A Surah Stormsong Novel by H D Gordon

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 & Giveaway – The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series

Posted on October 1, 2013 by fundinmental

The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series

Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.

“Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love.”

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Book 6: Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith

Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can’t even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She’s confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of “smart” business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he’s broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she lose her mother, but she had to drop out of nursing school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn’t the wallowing type. Instead, she chooses to spend most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Nursing home. When she learns that her boyfriend’s new roommate is down on his luck, her caring nature makes her want to reach out to him and offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.

Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father’s been in an accident and needs help, and Cambr has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.

Lost and Found by Karey White

Lydia was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she’s done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it’s time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home.

Blake feels like he’s been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he’s on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he’s going home, and that’s that. But that’s before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.

When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance.

Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.

For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.

Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.

Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.

But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest.

Until… Erik.

Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she’d never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

To enter scroll down to the Rafflecopter.

Ends 10/31/13

Bloggers who put up a spotlight post about these books on their blog can enter to win an additional $25 gift card or paypal cash. See details in the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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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New Release Giveaway – On Best Behavior by Jennifer Lane

Posted on September 28, 2013 by fundinmental

The final book in the Conduct Series has released! The Russian Mafia is alive and well in Chicago, Illinois. Read the excerpt below and enter the giveaway!

On Best Behavior by Jennifer Lane and Omnific Publishing

SYNOPSIS

Planning a wedding is never easy—especially when the Russian Mafia wants you dead.
On Best Behavior—the third and final book in The Conduct Series—finds our favorite couple moving forward, despite the odds. Following a pardon by the Governor of Illinois, ex-cons Sophie Taylor and Grant Madsen are finally free to pursue their love and the life that lies ahead for them. Grant now fights the forces that have hurt his loved ones by working undercover for the FBI, and he has infiltrated the Russian Mafia in Chicago. Sophie dives into swimming with Grant’s nephew, Ben, and into her career as a psychology professor. Thankfully, now it’s Ben’s turn to heal through therapy sessions with Dr. Hunter Hayes.

With so many things going right for Grant and Sophie, it’s too bad the Russians aren’t their only threat. When Grant’s father, Enzo Barberi, discovers his own son thwarted his plan to break out of prison, his overdeveloped sense of vengeance flares to life. As Sophie scrambles to save her fiancé, it’s impossible to say who will kill Grant first—the Russians or his Italian family. Can love triumph over evil? Are hard work and a pledge to be on best behavior ever enough?

Once again, author Jennifer Lane brings a harrowing tale of romantic suspense with a psychological twist, and it’s sure to leave readers breathless.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and recently completed the third and final installment: On Best Behavior. Streamline is her first foray into writing for young and new adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book.

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

GIVEAWAY

Jennifer Lane is offering for the Giveaway, 2 signed print copies (US/Canada Only) and 10 ebooks (International, all formats available) of On Best Behavior

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To grab a copy of Jennifer Lane’s books, simply click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Giveaway Tour of Arctic Fire by Paul Byer

Posted on September 27, 2013 by fundinmental

Arctic Fire by Paul Byer

Publisher: Fortress Publications (July 1, 2011)

Category: Thriller, Action Adventure, & Literary Fiction
Tour Date: September, 2013
ISBN: 978-0615504070
Available in: Print & eBook, 412Pages

SYNOPSIS

Wealthy entrepreneur Nigel Cain has devised an efficient new way to bring the earth’s most precious resource to the masses – clean water – by transporting massive man-made icebergs from the frigid arctic and delivering them literally to the doorsteps of millions.

Gabriel Pike works at a small engineering firm that has been awarded the task of giving the final safety approval to pilot the first gigantic block of ice into New York harbor.

A consummate showman, Cain has built a fabulous 5-Star hotel and casino high atop the iceberg so his celebrity guests and media elite can cover this spectacle from beginning to end. Pike is whisked away from his work-a-day world and dropped into the lap of luxury where he’s expected to simply rubber-stamp his inspection.

A brutal winter storms ravages the iceberg and exposes structural inconsistencies and hidden agendas that fill Pike with serious doubts about the true intentions of the project. But a grisly double homicide on the ice puts the inspections on the back burner and sends Pike’s life spiraling out of control when he’s accused of being the jealous murderer in a lover’s triangle.

But Pike soon discovers that there is far more at stake than just his life. He uncovers a conspiracy more heinous than anything he could have imagined – a plot that will level a city, change the political face of America, and whose shockwaves will be felt around the world. Fate rests in his hands – if he can survive long enough to take action…

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PRAISE FOR ARCTIC FIRE BY PAUL BYER

“A madman’s insatiable quest for power could level a major American city and kill thousands, ushering in a New World Order. Arctic Fire is a thrill-ride that will leave you breathless.” – Jeremy Robinson, bestselling author of INSTINCT and THRESHOLD

“Audacious and ambitious, Arctic Fire burns with action, and chills with the possibilities of what the future may hold. A thriller not to be missed!” – Sean Ellis, author of INTO the BLACK

“A new twist on a classic battlefield ploy finds an iceberg controlled by a megalomaniac on a collision course with NYC. A provocative blend of fact and fiction that explores issues surrounding a critical natural resource, fresh water, Arctic Fire is bound to leave readers thirsty for more.”-Rick Chesler, author of kiDNApped and WIRED KINGDOM

“We’re running low on fresh water. What do we do? Let’s move an iceberg! I love the premise!! From the opening pages until the thrilling end, Arctic Fire is a heart-pounding adventure filled with risks, action and suspense. With engaging characters and a compelling plot, you will be hard pressed to put this novel down. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, with who and what, the author delivers another surprising twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The character are concealing and manipulative, yet believable. The rush of adrenaline is well-rehearsed with each operation, leaving the reader frantically turning to the next page, desperate to find out what is going to happen next. This is the first work I have read of Paul Byers, but he reminds me a lot of Clive Cussler with a twist of Brian Freeman – which is an excellent pairing! Arctic Fire is a novel that showcases his effortless feel for narrative as well as his flawless instincts for suspense. I can’t wait to see what Byers has in store for us next. I definitely won’t want to miss it!”-Mindy Hines, Minding Spot Website

“When I was first asked to review Arctic Fire I laughed out loud. I’ve always wondered why someone didn’t just do this exact same thing to help the countries that go through droughts so I was really looking forward to reading this one and I wasn’t disappointed. Arctic Fire is a fast paced read that I finished in just one day. I fell in love with Gabriel Pike from the first chapter and was dying to know just what sinister plot Cain had in mind. I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves suspense thrillers.” – Monie, Reading With Monie Website

“An awesome mystery/thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I really liked all the characters in this book and the mystery of a homicide. Wonderfully written! If you like a mystery with lots of thrills, you will love this book.”- Sherrie Plummer, Sherrie’s Books Website

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MY REVIEW OF ARCTIC FIRE BY PAUL BYER

Pike is a pilot – he flies a Yankee Clipper jet which is 60 years old and an F 86 Korean War era Sabre jet. He is an Engineer at the Talbot Engineering firm and is a conspiracy buff. He has a do what I have to do, regardless of the consequences attitude.

Cain built a five star hotel casino on top of an iceberg. His plan was to bring it into the New York Harbor and turn it into drinkable water.

But there is so much more to the story than that. He has an ulterior motive.

Pike was chosen as the Engineer to make sure nothing untoward happened. A series of events causes a problem.

Would Pike’s worst imaginings come true?

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The author sent me a signed first edition paperback for the tour. I was excited to receive it because I love the cover and conspiracy based books. Add a touch of “history” and I’m hooked.

Paul Byer did not disappoint. This is an action packed adventure, with twists and turns, keeping me turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next.

The humor sprinkled throughout Artic Fire kept me chuckling. When Paul writes about his character being “Pike…Gabriel Pike.” I laughed out loud.

The book starts out slow, laying a foundation for what is to come. There is a huge BUT – the book has stayed with me long after I finished reading it.

The character development hit the mark. They felt so real to me.

I fell in love with Pike within the first eighty pages.

Paul Byer writes about the Senator being an ignorant, rude asshole and I agree. I sincerely hope he gets his. It makes me think of current political events.

Their have been water wars, pretty much forever. Reading Artic Fire made me think of how much water I use. In this day and age, I find most of us have a higher sense of our impact on Earth.

I have watched The Ice Hunter TV show, where the guys go out to an iceberg and shoot off pieces with a rifle. The Ice Hunters drag it back and sell it for bottled water and vodka.

So how far fetched would it be to haul a complete iceberg?

Check out Weather / Zap2it to get the lowdown.

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Cause and effect – one simple thing can change your life.

Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect

I could rant about my thoughts the book caused to rumble through my brain, but I will leave it to you to read Arctic Fire by Paul Byer and find out for yourself.

4 STARS – Would Recommend To Others.

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ABOUT PAUL BYERS

Paul grew up in Oregon on the shores of the mighty and mysterious Columbia River, and spent endless hours daydreaming on the beach in front of his house, making up stories about the ships from exotic ports all over the world that steamed up the river – what secret cargo might they be carrying; did they harbor spies who were on dark and exciting missions?

Later in adult life, he moved to another mysterious and provocative city – Las Vegas, just outside the famous Nellis Air Force base. After work he would sit on his porch and watch the fighters take off and land, igniting his imagination with visions of secret missions and rich speculation about what could possibly be hidden at Area 51.

After moving back to his native Pacific Northwest, Paul worked for the Navy and took every opportunity he could to speak with veterans from WWII to the Gulf War, listening to them swap stories and relate the experiences of a lifetime.

So it is this combination of a passionate love of history, a vivid “what if” imagination, and a philosophy of life that boils down to the belief that – there are few things in life that a bigger hammer won’t fix – that led Paul to become a writer of exciting, fact-based action-thrillers. His greatest joy is leaving his readers wondering where the facts end and the fiction begins.

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY

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

What do you do to conserve and recycle?

Giveaway ends October 16, 2013

WINNERS!! The winners of the Arctic Fire giveaway are Janna and Laura.

Congratulations and happy reading. I hope you enjoy Arctic Fire as much as I did!

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To grab your copy of Arctic Fire by Paul Byer, or one of his other books, click on the cover below.

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ARCTIC FIRE TOUR SCHEDULE

So Many Precious Books Sept 2 Review & Giveaway
Book Lover’s Library Sept 3 Review

Book Lover’s Library Sept 4 Interview & Giveaway

She Treads Softly Sept 4 Review

Books, Books, & More Books Sept 5 Review

Books, Books, & More Books Sept 6 Interview & Giveaway
Cheryl’s Book Nook Sept 9 Review

Butterfly-o-Meter Books Sept 10 Review

Butterfly-o-Meter Books Sept 11 Guest Post

My Shelf Confessions Sept 12 Review

My Shelf Confessions Sept 13 Interview & Giveaway

Room Without Books is Empty Sept 16 Review

Green Mountain People Sept 18 Review

Thoughts in Progress Sept 18 Guest Post & Giveaway

Romance & Inspiration Sept 19 Review

Bloggin Bout Books Sept 20 Review

The News In Books Sept 23 Review

The News In Books Sept 24 Guest Post

Sweeps4Bloggers Sept 24 Review & Giveaway

Tales of a Book Addict Sept 25 Review

Joy Story Sept 26 Review

fundinmental Sept 27 Review & Giveaway

The Illustration of Goddess Tithe by Anne Elisabeth Stengl Giveaway

Posted on September 25, 2013 by fundinmental

The cover of goddess tithe by Anne Elisabeth Stengl caught my eye, so I wanted to share it with you. I love that Anne chose to share her illustrations with us. Be sure to enter the awesome Giveaway at the end of the post.

Title: Goddess Tithe

Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Series: Tales of Goldstone Wood

Expected Release Date: November 12, 2013

Publisher: Rooglewood Press

Page Count: 130 pages

The Vengeful Goddess Demands Her Tithe

When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya‘s only hope to return safely home.

Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown’s garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.

Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?

Goodreads * Blog Page

You can learn more about Goddess Tithe, which novel it’s connected to and read Chapter 1, here:

Intro to Illustration:

There are eight full-page illustrations in Goddess Tithe featuring various characters and events from the story. This is the first one in the book. I decided to share it with all of you since it depicts my young hero, Munny the cabin boy, under the watchful eye of his mentor, the old sailor Tu Pich. Munny is on his first voyage, and he is determined to learn all there is to know about a life at sea as quickly as possible. Thus we see him utterly
intent upon the knot he is learning to tie. Tu Pich is old enough to know that no sailor will ever learn all there is to know about the sea. Thus he looks on, grave, caring, and perhaps a little sad. He might be looking upon his own younger self of many years ago, fumbling
through the hundreds of difficult knots his fingers must learn to tie with unconscious ease.

I enjoyed creating all the illustrations for Goddess Tithe, but this one was my favorite. I love the contrasts of light and dark, the contrasts of young and old . . . youthful intensity versus the perspective of age.

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, including Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, and Dragonwitch. Heartless and Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive StaplesAward.

Facebook * Twitter * Website/Blog * Goodreads

The Goldstone Wood Series:

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GIVEAWAY

Anne Elisabeth is offering two proof copies of Goddess Tithe as prizes! (U.S. and Canada only). Click on the highlighted a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter.

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Cover Reveal Blitz by Prism

To pick up your copy of Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s book, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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GEVBT – Death of a Schoolgirl by Joanna Campbell Slan – My Review and Two Giveaways

Posted on September 25, 2013 by fundinmental

Death of a Schoolgirl
By Joanna Campbell Slan

Book Details:
Death of a Schoolgirl
(The Jane Eyre Chronicles)
First in Series
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (August 7, 2012)
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

SYNOPSIS

In her classic tale, Charlotte Brontë introduced readers to the strong-willed and intelligent Jane Eyre. Picking up where Brontë left off, Jane’s life has settled into a comfortable pattern: She and her beloved Edward Rochester are married and have an infant son. But Jane soon finds herself in the midst of new challenges and threats to those she loves…

Jane can’t help but fret when a letter arrives from Adèle Varens—Rochester’s ward, currently at boarding school—warning that the girl’s life is in jeopardy. Although it means leaving her young son and invalid husband, and despite never having been to a city of any size, Jane feels strongly compelled to go to London to ensure Adèle’s safety.

But almost from the beginning, Jane’s travels don’t go as planned—she is knocked about and robbed, and no one believes that the plain, unassuming Jane could indeed be the wife of a gentleman; even the school superintendent takes her for an errant new teacher. But most shocking to Jane is the discovery that Adèle’s schoolmate has recently passed away under very suspicious circumstances, yet no one appears overly concerned. Taking advantage of the situation, Jane decides to pose as the missing instructor—and soon uncovers several unsavory secrets, which may very well make her the killer’s next target…

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MY REVIEW OF DEATH OF A SCHOOLGIRL BY JOANNA CAMPBELL SLAN

Death of a Schoolgirl picks up where Jane Eyre left off. She is now a wife, mother and private investigator.

The age old story – she was Adele’s governess and married Rochester, the master of the manor.

Jane received a letter from Adele and became worried by the tone of the letter. She decided she must go to her and find out what was wrong.

Rochester’s first wife, Bertha, had died when she burnt down his house. He was permanently disabled because of it. He was almost blind and had only one hand. Due to medical complications, he was unable to travel, so Jane would be traveling alone.

Jane gets to Adele’s school and is greeted by a Death of a Schoolgirl.

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I was immediately attracted to the gothic feel of the cover.

Death of a Schoolgirl has no flash, but is full of fast paced action. No breath holding, edge of the seat suspense, but a very nice mystery that is not easily solved.

The great writing had lots of detail that kept me fully involved. Sometimes period books can be hard to read, but this wasn’t. Death of a Schoolgirl has a touch of the paranormal. Someone is watching over Jane, helping her help the girls.

Jane is strong and confident. Women had their place but not her. She did not accept the hypocrisy and caste system of her times. Has anything really changed?

Jane could reproduce, with pencil and paper, whatever she saw. She had an analytical mind and was a great observer, so becoming a private investigator was no stretch for her. She had empathy for those less fortunate than her.

I loved her stand up attitude. She would not allow the hypocrisy and snobbishness of the many to affect her decisions..

Alderton House, the boarding school, is a dumping ground for many unwanted children. The workers are either tyrants or meek and afraid.

“Her embrace sent me moaning in pain.”

“Oh dear, and I finally have a sister and I broke her already!”

I laughed out loud. I think this quote is priceless.

I enjoyed Death of a Schoolgirl and would like to read more.

I received a signed, first edition paperback for review from the author. My opinions are my own. She included some wonderful goodies and I would like to thank her for the awesome package.

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning and National Bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan is the creator of the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries (an Agatha Award Finalist) and The Jane Eyre Chronicles (Winner of the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award). This fall will see the debut of the Cara Mia Delgatto books, a new mystery series set on the Treasure Coast of Florida, featuring a young woman who runs a recycling/repurposing shop. In her past life, Joanna was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter. She is the mother of Michael Slan, a professional poker player, and she is married to David Slan, CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery-DC. The Slans and their two dogs make their home on ******* Island, Florida. Visit Joanna’s website at www.JoannaSlan.com

Website l Blog l Twitter l Facebook l Goodreads:

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON B&N Book World Book Depository Powell’s Books

MY GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Joanna Campbell Slan is offering 1 print book. Easy entry. Just leave a comment with your email and answer the question:

What does the cover say to you?

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TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY

She also is offering a grand prize that she says she will “mail it anywhere!”

“Le Plus Grande Prize (ha-ha!) will be a Lowood Institution Lacrosse sweatshirt, a “Being yourself is the key” pencil case, a Jane Eyre mug, and a small Jane Eyre quotations journal.”

To enter, click on a Rafflecopter giveaway link below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 15 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews Review & Giveaway

September 16 – Must Read Faster Review

September 17 – Griperang’s Bookmarks Review & Giveaway

September 18 – Chloe Gets A Clue Interview & Giveaway

September 19 – A Blue Million Books Guest Post

September 20 – My Devotional Thoughts Review & Giveaway

September 23 – Books-n-Kisses Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

September 24 – Mochas, Mysteries and More Guest Post & Giveaway

September 25 – fundinmental Review & Giveaway

September 26 – Melina’s Book Blog Review & Guest Post

September 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy Review & Interview

September 28 – Brooke Blogs Review & Guest Post

September 29 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK Review

September 30 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Joanna Campbell Slan is a prolific writer. To grab a copy of Death of a Schoolgirl, or be taken to her books to see what else she has to offer, click on the cover below.
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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Giveaway and Review of Fool’s Game by Heather Huffman

Posted on September 22, 2013 by fundinmental

Fool’s Game

by Heather Huffman

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BLURB

At the request of the U.S. Government, Caitlyn O’Rourke faked her death years ago, only to be reborn as the Cat—a deadly black-ops agent tasked with working for the shadowy organization Chameleon and doing the jobs that can’t be done in the light of day. Now, on the verge of taking down a notorious drug lord and rescuing a captured Chameleon agent, Cat is targeted for assassination…from within. But who’s making the call, and why?

As she attempts to uncover answers and stay alive, Cat finds herself working alongside Cody Kingsley, the mysterious senator who broke her heart and betrayed her long ago. Along with an inner circle of fellow agents, Cat and Cody must untangle the web of lies that surrounds them before it’s too late.

From the sultry streets of New Orleans to a secluded plantation in Ecuador to Washington, DC, Cat must elude an agent hell-bent on her destruction while figuring out how high up the ladder the conspiracy reaches. At the same time, she must work through her tumultuous and conflicting emotions where both Cody and fellow agent Galloway—who may or may not have her best interests at heart—are concerned.

A thrill ride of emotions, suspense, and action, Fool’s Game intertwines matters of the heart and survival …and the only thing certain is that Cat will never be the same.

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EXCERPT

“Someone should warn him about pickpockets,” Cat muttered as she counted out several hundred dollars. A piece of paper fell from the wallet and onto her feet. She set the billfold aside and unfolded the paper. Sorrow tugged at her heart as she studied the old newspaper clipping and the picture of the young woman it contained.

It was her own obituary. She leaned against the chair, eyeing the man she knew as Peyton Winthrop. Why was he carrying around Caitlyn O’Rourke’s obituary? Needing a minute to collect her thoughts, Cat slid the paper in her pocket and returned the wallet to the jacket before slipping out onto the balcony to lean against the cool brick wall.

Mildly curious as to what had been written about her, she pulled out the article and skimmed it. Just the usual facts: name, rank and age. Her only family had been a brother who had died in the same plane crash. It was rather sad. Not only had her life been summarized easily in one paragraph, but an entire lineage had died out with a piece of paper left as the only testament of its existence.

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MY REVIEW OF FOOL’S GAME BY HEATHER HUFFMAN

Cody awoke from the dream calling Caitlyn.

Cat awoke and looked around. It felt like Cody was there with her.

Caitlyn had been “killed”, only to come back as Cat. Cat, Ella, her best friend, and Jack, Cat’s brother, had faked their deaths. She went to work for Chameleon, a black ops government organization. She now considered herself an avenger. Her current mission was to rescue an agent that had been taken by the Barrera drug family. But someone had other plans for her.

Cat was being sent to New Orleans. She was to target Peyton Winthrop. His company was a front for trafficking drugs. But Peyton was not who she thought he was.

The newspaper had exposed her, even though they didn’t know she was a woman.

President Harrison Warner called the Chameleons vigilantes and threw them to the wolves. Was there more to the story?

Cody came across as a playboy Illinois State senator, but he was also a member of Chameleon and was determined to keep Cat safe. He had failed her once and would not do so again.

When Cat disappeared from New Orleans, Cody knew he’d been used to set her up. Now he would stop at nothing to find her.

Nobody was who they appeared to be. Letting their guard down could get them killed. How high up in the government did the corruption go? If all the Chameleons are dead it would stay a secret.

Cody was preparing to go to New Orleans, when David, a newspaper reporter, approached him. He would cross the line by talking David. Cody thought for a moment then said,

“How’d you like to break the biggest story America has seen in years?”

You will have to read the book to find out why I included this video. Does that peak your interest?

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I grabbed this book for Review for the tour because of the subject matter. Fool’s Game by Heather Huffman is a thriller dealing with drugs, political corruption and secret government plots. The characters didn’t know who to trust and neither will you. Nothing is at seems and the book will keep you guessing.

The synopsis mentioned New Orleans and I have walked those streets many times. I like it when I feel some connection to a place or character in the book.

I loved Fool’s Game, but the book didn’t quite get there for me. The writing kept me interested and reading, and I did feel a sense of anticipation and suspense.

The characters were interesting and at times hilarious. I like when an author adds humor to a serious book. It seems more realistic, as do the characters.

I didn’t like that Cat spent so much time crying. I just didn’t see her, a kick-ass black ops agent, acting like a cry baby. She could be vulnerable and feminine without crying at the drop of a hat. She does have a ‘do what I must do attitude’ and comes through in times of crisis.

Cody and Cat have a past history and have to deal with their relationship along with everything else that is going on. They have never gotten over their feelings for each other and I kept wondering who was going to make the first move.

QUOTES

“The testosterone section can’t seem to play nice.

“You are logic and I am instinct, between us we just might get it it right.”

Cat’s nickname for Cody – Lion “…Lion declares himself King….sits in the shade watching his ass spread while others do his dirty work.”

“So, what’s next?” “A game of cat and mouse.” “More like a Fool’s Game. “

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

Overall, Fool’s Game by Heather Huffman is an entertaining read. I received the book in return for an honest and unbiased review. I am happy to add the book to my Read list and look forward to reading more of her work.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Huffman calls the beautiful Missouri Ozarks home. When not writing, this homesteading mother is cheering one of her three sons on at a sporting event, making dandelion fritters, or tending the family’s myriad of animals, which includes alpacas, goats, chickens and ducks. Heather’s optimistic and sometimes quirky view of life often finds its way into her novels.

Heather is the author of Throwaway, Ties that Bind, Jailbird, Suddenly a Spy, Ring of Fire, Tumbleweed, Devil in Disguise and Roses in Ecuador. You can find out more about her family’s adventures as they strive to live off the land on a small farm, as well as her writing and charitable work, on www.heatherhuffman.net.

Booktrope: http://booktrope.com/book/fools-game/

GIVEAWAY

Heather will be awarding an ebook (international) of ROSES IN ECUADOR by Heather Huffman, at each stop, along with a grand prize of an autographed paperback (US only) of RING OF FIRE to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

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

TOUR SCHEDULE

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Heather Huffman has many books. To find out more about her, or to get your copy from Amazon, 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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Blitz #Giveaway for Kinetic by S K Anthony

Posted on September 22, 2013 by fundinmental

Kinetic by S.K. Anthony
Series: The Luminaries, #1
Publication date: September 2013
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy

SYNOPSIS

Being strong is one thing. Being an unlimited source of power is quite another.

Genetically altered by the Organization, Annie Fox takes down criminals CIA-style with her luminary strength. With nothing to mend but her broken heart, she is relentlessly pursued by her boss Derek Lake. Just when Annie is about to give him a chance, her ex-husband unexpectedly comes out of hiding.

A wanted man, Nick Logan is a cold-hearted murderer who is considered enemy number one, and orders are clear: kill on contact. He is more powerful than ever and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. His plan? Get his hands on Annie and use her Kinetic energy to destroy them all. When Annie finds herself with an opportunity to end him, she pauses, horrified by the scars covering the face she once loved. A split second that will cost her everything…

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18072566-kinetic

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EXCERPT

Coming to my feet, I ran into the vault and found myself at the bottom of what seemed like three floors. It was filled with storage units, all next to each other. It reminded me of prison cells, each of them with their own armored doors. I smelled more smoke coming from above, so I ran up the first set of stairs and let my nose guide me. I saw the figure trying to melt one of the armored doors, and I launched myself at him. He was ready for me, though, so I found myself thrown across the room like a ragdoll. I pretended to be injured as he approached me, and when he was close enough, I kicked his feet from under him and he fell, hitting his head on the concrete floor. I jumped on him and pinned his hands down just as he looked up at me.

And there he was, Nick Logan. My ex-husband.

I stared at the face I’d once loved, now with a patch covering his left eye and scars running all the way down his jaw. They were almost hidden under his days-old beard and wild, dark hair. His deep hazel eye looked at me, empty, daring me to speak first. I punched him.

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AUTHOR BIO

S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders…she is convinced they are out to get her!

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.skanthony.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7133166.S_K_Anthony

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/S-Katherine-Anthony/403554526400225?ref=hl

Twitter: @SKathAnthony

GIVEAWAY

To enter the Giveaway, click on the highlighted Rafflecopter Giveaway link below.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

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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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Giveaway for Unreap My Heart by Kate Evangelista

Posted on September 21, 2013 by fundinmental

I love the mysterious cover and the synopsis makes Unreap My Heart by Kate Evangelista sound like an awesome read. Kate has also included a fantastic giveaway you don’t want to miss, so be sure and scroll through the post to enter.

Title: Unreap My Heart (The Reaper Series, #2)

Author: Kate Evangelista

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Release: September 17, 2013

Genre: Paranormal

Age Group: Young Adult

SYNOPSIS

When Death is stabbed with a dagger that sucks out his powers, Balthazar is roped into helping him find the Redeemer, the only one who can remove the dagger. But nothing is free in the Underverse. For travelling to the most dangerous places in the Underverse, Balthazar asks Death for control of the Crossroads.

Arianne was ready to pay Death’s price to save Niko. She was ready to be blind with no memory of the boy she loves. Instead, she wakes up in a strange room, still able to see and with Niko in a deep sleep. She agrees to work with Balthazar on the condition: Death needs to wake Niko. But Arianne soon finds out that helping the bad guy means having to do lots of bad things.

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EXCERPT

“I’m guessing you’re a regular here.”

Balthazar had his eyes closed when he answered, “Back in the day. All work and no play and all that. Solara’s not so bad, if you take away her tendency to eat her lovers.”

Arianne dropped the rose and blinked. Then she shrugged. “Can’t say I didn’t see that one coming. But you survived.”

“Only because I wasn’t stupid enough to stay the night. Niko, on the other hand…” Balthazar stopped suddenly, like he’d caught himself about to say something.

“Niko what?” Arianne’s voice grew very soft. Her chest deflated. When Balthazar didn’t say anything, she rephrased her question, “What about Niko?”

Balthazar opened one eye to look at her before he grimaced. “Slip of the tongue. Forget about it.”

Arianne rushed the couch and thumped Balthazar’s chest, completely forgetting he didn’t like to be touched.

“Don’t growl at me,” she said, but took a step back just in case. Those fangs did look like they could cause some serious hurt if they sank into her skin. “Just finish what you already started and I’ll shut up about it.”

Balthazar tsked before he closed his eyes again and settled back into the couch like he hadn’t been ready to pounce a second ago. He breathed in deeply then exhaled slowly. Arianne waited, twisting her fingers together.

“There are some things you’re better off not knowing, little girl,” he finally said.

“I’m not a little girl anymore, Balthazar. If it’s about Niko then I have the right to know.”

He opened his eyes and locked gazes with her. “No, actually you don’t.”

“I need to know.”

A shiver ran down Arianne’s back by the way he stared at her, like he was measuring her worth. She steeled herself. Whatever he had to say about Niko she would accept without judging. She promised herself that.

Balthazar moved his gaze from her to the ceiling before he closed his eyes again. “Niko frequented this place as much as I did. In fact, we even came together once in a while.”

Arianne’s heart fell into a heap in her stomach. Then she picked the poor thing up and put it back into her chest. She couldn’t judge. Niko was a guy. A Reaper who’d lived countless lifetimes. If he came here to…Arianne couldn’t let herself think about it.

“Don’t obsess, Arianne,” Balthazar said in a grumbly voice, like he forced himself to speak. “Niko’s done far worse things than be at a whorehouse…”

“What do you mean ‘worse things’?”

His lower lip jutted out. “I’d rather not say. If you think he’s a good guy, then maybe he is now. I haven’t seen him since I got banished to the Nethers. Maybe he’s changed.”

“Are you actually trying to comfort me, Balthazar?” Arianne put together her best “aww” face.

“Don’t get all mushy on me,” he barked, but his words didn’t have the same bite. “I’m more the bang ‘em then leave ‘em type.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn’t going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master’s courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels.

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