Beware of Rest Areas – Stranded by Alex Kava

Posted on August 17, 2013 by fundinmental

I have been a fan of Alex Kava for a long time. I recently went to a book signing. Alex Kava was discussing Stranded and Erica Spindler was telling us about Justice For Sara. Be on the lookout for my upcoming review of Justice For Sara. To see more about the book signing, go HERE.

HE did his research, taking meticulous notes of what worked best.

HE considered himself an expert on serial killers.

Ted Bundy, Edmund Kemper, Henry Lee Lucas, Jeffrey Dahmer – they all got caught by doing something stupid. Of course, HE thought he was above that. HE was, oh so much, smarter. Don’t they all think that, before they are caught?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

My favorite genre is murder, especially serial killers. I am baffled by the cruelty a person will inflict on another for their personal pleasure. I also watch all the TV shows, CSI, NCIS, The Closer, Major Crimes, Castle……..for entertainment. I love to watch the true life crime shows too. I find their problem solving skills and tenacity fascinating. Climbing into a killer’s mind takes a special person, very detail oriented and meticulous in their tracking down every lead and putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

I love Alex’s books. They are fast paced and easy to read.They are well written and heavily researched. Alex has talked about her love of doing the research. She is up to date on the latest police and FBI tools that help to apprehend criminals and find the lost.

Cadaver dogs. I remember being surprised the first time I heard they could smell decomposed bodies that were underwater. They make our sense of smell seem non-existent.

The FBI Highway Serial Killer Initiative – came about because an analyst in Oklahoma noticed a pattern when he was investigating the dumping of women’s bodies along Interstate 40, which crossed four US states. The suspects are usually long haul truckers and their victims women like Lily, the Lot Lizard, who hang around rest areas, truck stops and service stations.

I love when the book is placed in locations I am familiar with. Waffle House. Everyone knows Waffle House, home of the best breakfast in the South. You cannot live in the Pensacola area and not know about Sacred Heart Hospital. Black Water River State Park. I have swung on a tree rope, launching into the water to swim and canoe down the Blackwater River.

Alex Kava says this would be a great dumping ground for bodies. Between the weather and the critters, it wouldn’t take them long to decompose. Not like in the colder, northern climates, where a body could be dumped in the winter and not be found until the spring thaw. Ya gotta love an author that thrives on murder and has a great sense of humor.

Blackwater River by Ebyabe

Maggie – independent. FBI profiler. Living her life surrounded by dogs. Is she ready to add a lover to her life? She is a white knuckled flyer. I hate flying and turbulence makes more than my knuckles white.

Grace is a Jack Russell terrier. Alex loves the scrappy little dog. Grace has drive and is a workaholic. She loves her squishy, squeaky, pink elephant toy. Maybe it was because Alex had talked about loving Grace, that she became a huge part of the story for me. I think she will capture your heart too. The same with Creed, but I think I would have fallen for him anyway.

Creed- strong, determined, yet hurt and vulnerable. A damaged hero. A man after my own heart. How about you? He rescues dogs and trains them for use in his work, finding lost ones. He was always looking for his lost sister. Alex described Creed loving to dive into the water and feel it flowing over his body. I love the water and knew exactly what she was saying. My hubby calls me his mermaid.

Lily the Lot Lizard. Sounds like a song. Alex delved into the trucker culture. Her research surprised me, as she describes their world. Next time you are at the rest area, be sure to keep your eyes open at all times. Maybe you’ll even spot a Lot Lizard.

Alex also does a great job of describing our weather here in the South. Crashing thunder is part of our usual afternoon storms, as it rattles the windows in their frames. Florida has the most lightening strikes per year than anywhere else in the world.

Thunderstorm by Bidgee

QUOTES

Occam’s razor – the easiest explanation is often the correct one.

Asparagus – “….these look like penises.” LOL. And that’s all I’m gonna say.

Smorgasbord of travelers – his victims.

“…..legend that says when you can’t sleep its because you’re awake in someone else’s dream.”

I have read numerous books by Alex Kava, both bought and checked out of the library. I purchased this book at the book store where Alex Kava and Erica Spindler were doing a discussion and book signing. I love having a signed, first edition hardcover to add to my collection.

To get your copy of Alex Kava;s books, 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.

Review & Guest Post-Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason

Posted on August 13, 2013 by fundinmental

I saw the cover for Shadow of Perception (Core Trilogy, Book II_ by Kristine Mason and knew I had to participate in the tour. I was also lucky enough to get Shadow of Danger to review, another knock out cover and book you don’t want to miss. To see my 5 STAR Review, go HERE. Even though this is a trilogy, each book stands alone. But once you read one, you will want to read them all.

I have packed a lot into this post and I hope you will take the time to scroll through it all. I have included the blurb, an excerpt from the Bad Guy’s POV, a guest post from Kristine about her favorite character, my Review and a Giveaway. Plus a special little surprise at the end of the post for your musical enjoyment!

BUY LINKS

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

BLURB

What happens when negligent plastic surgeons receive a taste of their own medicine…?

Chicago investigative reporter, Eden Risk, receives an unmarked envelope containing a postcard ordering her to watch the enclosed DVD…or someone else dies. No Police. After Eden watches the DVD, a gruesome, horrifying surgery, she turns to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, for help. Only she hadn’t expected that help to come with a catch. Her former lover, Hudson Patterson, has been assigned to the case.

Hudson would rather have another CORE agent handle the investigation. Two years ago, he’d screwed things up with Eden…bad. And as more DVDs arrive, Eden and Hudson find themselves not only knee-deep in a twisted investigation, but forced to deal with their past, and the love they’d tried to deny.

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

EXCERPT

Bad Guy’s POV

The alarm on his watch beeped, reminding him what he’d already known. His patient would be waking soon, and by the low moan from the other room, he would have to act fast before the bastard regained full consciousness. Sure, he’d strapped the man down, but he didn’t want to miss the look on the shithead’s face when his eyes fluttered open, only to discover he’d just woken up in hell.

As he was about to exit the office, though, shame suddenly clouded his judgment. What he’d spent seven long years preparing for went beyond immoral and had his conscience battling with his anger and need for revenge. Sweat coated his skin and trickled down his back. His heart quickened and his head grew dizzy with the onslaught of a panic attack. Until he glanced at the letter he had framed and hung on the wall. The final contact he would ever have from his beloved daughter. While he’d memorized Eliza’s words, each bold and bubbly stroke of her script, he honed in on one line in particular for encouragement.

Make them listen, Daddy.

Another moan, this time even louder, filtered into the office. His head cleared, his heart slowed to normal, and an eerie calm settled over him.

“They’ll do more than listen, baby,” he whispered, rage suddenly sweeping away any thoughts of immorality or ethics or principles. Screw those things. Screw those quacks who had destroyed his daughter’s life.

Without hesitation he left the office and entered the main section of the thirty-by-fifty steel garage. He hadn’t needed the entire space and had chosen to fulfill his plans in the west corner of the building, where the lighting was best and the bathroom and utility sink were closest. Things would become messy after all.

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Kristine Mason – My favorite character…

I love flawed characters. I’m not talking about a random scar that makes the sexy, badass hero sexier. I’m talking about the flaws that run deeper than the physical. Give me characters that have internal issues. Maybe they have a learning disability they’re hiding, or they’re struggling with anxiety, fear, trust or rejection. Or maybe a character’s arrogance and how they treat others is their flaw. Regardless, I want these characters to be motivated. I want to be able to get inside their heads and understand why they act the way they do.

I have four kids (11, 10, 7 and 2). Between my family and career, I’m extremely busy. When I have the time to sit down and read I want to be engaged by the characters. I want to fall in love with the hero, be the heroine and, if there is a bad guy, be afraid.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good had come from writing it. I realized my passion, and had found a career that I love.

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

STALKING LINKS

FACE BOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE

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MY REVIEW of Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason

“There’s no such thing as perfect, only perception.”

“Look at me Daddy.”

He was watching as the images crawled across the screen. Eliza in her cheerleading uniform. Eliza being crowned homecoming queen. Eliza on her first modeling assignment. Eliza DEAD. The note she left said, “Make them listen, Daddy.”

Well, they will listen now he thought, as he dropped off the first DVD to Eden Risk.

Eden is an investigative reporter and he knew she would make it right.

Eden knew she needed help. She contacted CORE,a private criminal investigation agency. Ian and Hudson were watching the DVD.The horror that was taking place was too obscene to comprehend. The violence and mutilation the victim suffered was one of the worst they had seen. When the torture stopped, the doctor looked into the camera.

“Eden, take care of yourself….While I’ve been watching you, someone else has been, too.”

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

The covers and tag lines for The Core Trilogy are so intriguing, I was hooked as soon as I laid eyes on them. I didn’t need anything else to make me want to pick up the books and read them as soon as I could get my hands on them.

After reading Shadow of Danger, the first book in the CORE “Shadow” Trilogy, my expectations are high. There are multiple storylines and Kristine kept the suspense at a very high level.

The violence and torture is very graphic. I was amazed at Kristine’s ability to describe the brutality so vividly. Maybe she should be a profiler. She sure got into the mind of this serial killer.

Eden – a confident and ambitious investigative reporter for , with dark secrets. She had a need to control everything in her life. Obsessive-Compulsive. Stubborn. Sexy. Her pets, Fabio the cat and Brutal the rat dog, are unique and show that under her hard exterior there is a heart.

Hudson – a Marine and a CIA operative, doing Black Ops work. Looked like a kickass biker dude. An air of danger surrounds him. Hmmm, I like that. He could be a GB- Golden Boy- or a DB – Douche Bag.

I am a dog lover and find it adds another element to the story. It makes the characters seem more human and easier to relate to. Kristine did a fantastic job of integrating the animals into the story and giving me some chuckles.

The relationships between the characters smack of reality. They fail to communicate, which causes all sorts of problems and I think we can all relate to that.

QUOTES

“……a front for some eighties big hair band.” “..that explains all those hot groupies folowing me around and throwing their g-strings at me.

“I’ve only seen cats that size at the zoo or in the jungle. What the hell is it? Besides big and ugly.”

“Don’t talk like that, putting her hand over the cats ears.” “He’s sensitive.”

“So sorry if I hurt your widdle feewings.” Then she flipped him the bird.

“Hell is exactly where you are…….Welcome.”

“Slow down, Speed Racer.” I laughed out loud. I remember watching the show all the time.

“..what’s wrong?” “I’ve never owned a week whacker.” “What would you weed whack anyway? The dead plants in your apartment?”

“God this is something out of Hellraiser.”

I love it when an author can integrate humor into such a dark and violent story.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Shadow of Vengeance, Book III of the CORE “Shadow” Trilogy is coming soon.

You will have to read the book to find out why I included The Pina Colada Song.

To pick up Kristine Mason’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

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

Review/Guest Post – Shadow of Danger by Kristine Mason

Posted on August 13, 2013 by fundinmental

I saw the cover and stopped dead. Awesome. Tells me some bad stuff is coming. The blurb just reeled me in because I was already hooked. I was off and running from the very first page.

Even though this is a trilogy, each book can stand alone. But once you read one, you will want to read them all. Be sure and stop by tomorrow for my Review of Shadow of Perception, a guest post on Kristine’s favorite character and an awesome tour-wide Giveaway.

Recommended for Adults – violence, strong language and explicit sex scenes.

She awoke, fighting for her life and tears running down her face. She knew the woman was dead. This was not the first time she had felt the evil perpetrated on another as if it were happening to her. It wouldn’t be the last either.

Four nights and four nightmares. Would it ever end?

Roy had four dead women on his hands and needed help. He put in a call to Ian, the head of CORE. Ian knew John Cain was the man for the job and sent him to Wissota Falls.

Celeste had come home to Wissota Falls to take care of her mother, who was dying of cancer, and never left. Wissota Falls is a small town, where everyone knows everyone’s business. Could a serial killer be walking among them?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

My two favorite things – murder and paranormal – and Kristine blended them into an excellent story. This is a long book and I knew I couldn’t read it in one sitting, but I really wanted to. Hmmm. How much longer can I read before I have to get up and clean the kitchen so my hubby doesn’t know I read all day. LOL

Are there two killers? The suspense of finding out who the killer is kept building. I figured it was between three people………Could it be him, yes. Or him, yes. Or him, yes. I know it has to be one of them, I just can’t figure out which one. I love not knowing and it was really hard to keep from skimming over parts to find the answer.

Celeste – she always put herself last. She was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back. She had a gift, a paranormal gift that some might say was a curse.

John Cain – criminalist and former FBI agent, now working for CORE. John has a lot of personal baggage. I love a tarnished knight. It adds that little extra story line as they find their way out of the mess they are in.

CORE – Criminal Observance Resolution and Evidence. Ian Scott was the creator of the private agency formed to take down the bad guys.

Sherriff Roy Hauserman was like a father to Celeste. He had a healthy respect for her psychic gift. She knew she could always count on him. “Paul Bunyan without the ax and blue ox.”

I loved when Celeste first met John in the diner – such sizzling hot thoughts. As a rule, I don’t care much for sexually explicit books, but this book was so good it didn’t matter to me and only seemed to add to the story.

When Celeste talks about why she started collecting Gnomes, I laughed out loud.

I love Kristine’s ability to add humor to such a heavy and horrendous story. I know I keep saying I loved this and I loved that, but I did. I am so glad that I decided to participate in the tour for Shadow of Perception, Book II. Otherwise, I would have missed finding another fantastic author. Come back tomorrow for my review of Shadow of Perception and a guest post from the author, along with a Giveaway you don’t want to miss.

I received this book as part of a tour for the second book, Shadow of Perception. This is an honest and unbiased review.

Quotes

“If you loose any more weight, you’ll be nothing but walking boobs.”

John “Please don’t pout.”

Celeste “I’m not pouting……..Did you feel anything when you touched me at the diner?”

“…when you find that woman, no matter the odds, the end result is well worth it.” “What’s that?” “A woman you’d die for, or die without. Take your pick.”

“….thinking of puppies, babies and a frickin’ white picket fence.”

Celeste “Why are you doing this?”

HIM “Because I can.”

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

I am participating in the tour for Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason tomorrow, and she has given me two guest posts to choose from for the tour. SO, lucky you are going to get an insight into why Kristine writes in today’s post.

How I began writing…

I began writing twelve years ago after I quit my job to stay home with my newborn. While I was happy to be at home with my son, I have to admit that boredom set it rather quickly. To fill the time, I read a ton of books. And I’m not exaggerating. I would take a big bag to the library and toss in dozens of books, then read them all within a month. I’d become a serious romance junkie. At the time, I didn’t know which authors wrote what, so I had a hard time finding a certain type of book. I was looking for sexy, edgy, gritty suspense. After a while, I decided that if I couldn’t find what I was looking for, then I’d write it. That first book was something I would work on to kill the time. I wrote when I was in the mood and sometimes would go months without even looking at it. That book took me five years to write. Five years! What’s sad is no one will ever see it. But that’s okay. I had accomplished what many people place on their bucket list. I wrote a book.

Seven years ago, after the birth of my third son, I joined a local Romance Writers of America chapter. I attended my first conference, met published authors, editors and agents. That’s when I was bitten by the writing bug. Instead of looking at writing as a hobby, I began looking at it as my unpaid career. I wrote like crazy, found an awesome critique partner and really began learning the craft of writing. The book that took five years to write…I’ve written ten more since then. Again, not all will see the light of day, but those books helped me grow as a writer.

I truly love creating stories and characters. Writing has become my passion and I’m enjoying the ride!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

STALKING LINKS

FACE BOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE

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To pick up Kristine Mason’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

Shadow of Vengeance, Book III of the CORE “Shadow” Trilogy is coming soon.

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.

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

Heartsearch: Found: Book II by Carlie M A Cullen

Posted on August 8, 2013 by fundinmental

This is Book II, Heartsearch: Found by Carlie M A Cullen. I have so many things I want to tell you, but I am going to try my best to keep this spoiler free for those who haven’t read Heartsearch: Lost, Book I.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I, go HERE. The ending for Heartsearch: Lost was awesome! I could rant and rave more, but I would really like you to pick up the books and enjoy the read without me ruining it for you.

If you love Vampires, this is a must read trilogy. Carlie’s take on Vampires is unique and original. I didn’t think anyone could come up with a new twist, but Carlie did it and did it extremely well.

Jakki was psychic and worried. Something wasn’t right.

She read the tarot cards.

A man with green eyes.

Children’s hands colored red.

Objects floating in the air.

Remy distraught.

Death.

MY REVIEW

First off, let me say, that raving about this series makes me laugh. I love thrillers, suspense and mystery, with a little paranormal on the side. I have only started reading Vampire books since I started blogging, which was a little over a year ago. My sister, Laura, over at fuonlyknew, got me in to all this and for that I THANK YOU, Laura. I had no idea what I was missing.

Book II, Heartsearch: Found picks up the action from the very first page.

I fell in love and hate with the characters, regardless of them being ruthless, blood thirty killers.

I hate Samir – egotistical and selfish – everything you think a Vampire would be.

I love/dislike Joshua – almost human in his feelings for Remy.

Remy – what can I say? I love her. Strong female protagonists are my favorite characters. I like to think I would deal with things the way she does, but no one ever really knows what they will do until the time comes to do it.

The suspense and anticipation drove me to read faster, resisting the urge to skip ahead.

Carlie’s writing is nothing less than amazing. I am having difficulty in describing how amazing this story is. I am going to have to start studying my Thesaurus to expand my word selection. I have never read a Vampire novel like this. Carlie’s description of the horrific and excruciating pain one endures when changing into a Vampire was fantastic.

Sometimes I forget the characters are Vampires. Evil, gross, disgusting, selfish, giving, loving, passionate, sexy…….

I want it to end – happy ever after – but they’re Vampires. Is that even possible?

I love how Carlie’s mind thinks. She is a superb storyteller.

Sometimes the second book in the series is not as good. All I can say is, the story keeps getting better.

Oh no, I didn’t see it coming. The book ran out of pages. I DEMAND Heartsearch: Betrayal, Book III.

I want it and I want it now!

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review for Heartsearch: Found. Thank you Carlie for the opportunity to participate in the release tour for Heartsearch: Found, Book II. I look forward to working with you again, when Heartsearch: Betrayal, Book III comes out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlie M A Cullen

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing. She has been an administrator and marketer all her working life and was also a professional teacher of Ballroom and Latin American dancing until recently.

She has always written in some form or another, but Heart Search: Lost is her first novel. This was launched 8^th October 2012 through Myrddin Publishing Group and book two, Heart Search: Found, is due out early July 2013. She writes mainly in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for YA, New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a professional editor.

Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. Their first anthology, The Other Way Is Essex, was published September 2012 under Myrddin Publishing Group. Their second anthology is in editing.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

For stalking purposes, find Carlie M. A. Cullen at the links below:

Website / Twitter: @carlie2011c / Facebook / Linkedin / Amazon / About.me

Wattpad / Goodreads

To get your copy or learn more about Carlie Cullen, check out my reviews and the book links below.

Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I

Guest post for Heartsearch: Found, Book II

Review of Heartsearch: Found: Book II

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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.

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

Thanks for stopping by fundinmental!

Project Eve by Mary Abshire

Posted on August 2, 2013 by fundinmental

The Awakening,Project Eve,Book I

A Lyrical Press Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 9781616503475

Length: 74,000 words

Ebook Page Count: 204 / Publication Date: January 23, 2012

WARNING: Language, violence, and graphic sex.

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MY 5 STAR REVIEW

One thought she was a treasure, One thought she was an abomination.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Kobo / iTunes

My first thought when the cute man woke me was good, I have my clothes on. But where am I? When he asked my name, I couldn’t remember.

Boss suggested I go with them to talk, my instinct said I could trust them. We walked through the dead bodies – burned, torn limb from limb, missing heads. Boss told Jonas to burn them all. But what about notifying their families of their death? He told me they already knew, but I didn’t understand what he meant. When Jonas asked when I had last fed, I looked at him in surprise.

“You’re not going to stand there and tell me you don’t know you’re a vampire,” he said.

We were in Indianapolis. As we drove around, I felt a familiarity with my surroundings but couldn’t remember anything specific. I was in the back seat of the car and could hear them talking, but their lips weren’t moving. I could hear their thoughts. When I said I couldn’t kill people, Jonas laughed. I could hear Jonas asking Boss what would happen if I couldn’t remember.

All of a sudden I felt a sharp pain rip through my skill and my ears rang. Boss was doing it, trying to read my mind. He found nothing there, no memories. The pain lessened as he backed off, finally believing me. There should be something there, some memory he could find, even if I couldn’t, but there wasn’t. It was possible for a vampire to erase some memory, but not all. Demons can alter memories and reality, but not wipe out memories.

Boss admitted to being a vampire. I asked about Jonas, but Boss cut him off before he could answer. He held my hand to his chest, no heartbeat. But I had one. He told me I was a half-breed. So I was only half dead. That was why I needed warm blood and human food. Boss could think of no one, or no reason for someone to wipe my memories. Whoever did do it, couldn’t be human. As Jonas and Boss talked, they mentioned other breeds, werewolves, demons, fae, shifters, warlocks…..

When I held my stomach while it was cramping, I felt a bulge in my skirt. I reached in my pocket and found two pieces of paper. Before I could see what they were, Boss grabbed them out of my hand. They were my clues. As we fought over them, they blew out the window. We chased them in the wind and finally caught them. One was a receipt to a bookstore. Still no memory.

The other paper was a pawn shop receipt. But if I hocked something, where was the money and what did I pawn? Boss kept my papers. He also found my knife when we got back in the car. It had fallen out of my boot. The handle was made from gold and had two initials, S and B, and was poisoned. Boss told me, if it belonged to me, the poison wouldn’t affect me.

Boss and Jonas worked for the Worldwide Organization of Peace and Protection. His job was to monitor the clans and make sure no one species dominated. We agreed to work together to find out who I was and who killed all those people, those creatures. I knew I wasn’t a killer. I didn’t drink blood and I didn’t have fangs. We figured someone had been looking for me and would do whatever they had to do to get me back. How did they lose me?

We went to the pawn shop, but it seemed to present more questions than answers. I had pawned a demon watch. It tells time in Hell and on earth. It could open a portal between the two worlds.

When the question came up, was I part vampire and part demon, Boss said that it was not possible. He said Tabby may be able to help. She was a Shape-shifter and was living with him and Jonas.

It was decided I needed to test my skills and Tabby would be the perfect sparring partner. When I shifted to mist, I had the not so bright idea to tease Boss. He not only attacked me, he called me an abomination and told me to get out. He thought I was a freak, thought me dangerous. Jonas saw me as a treasure, one of a kind. If Boss made me go, Tabby and Jonas said they would go with me.

Tabby suggested we go shopping and do girl things. We were having a good time, until I noticed the same guy appeared wherever we went. Tabby couldn’t see him, so I told Jonas about him over the phone. He wanted us home, now. Tabby went off to finish the shopping and I waited near the entrance.

Benny chose that moment to introduce himself. He knew I was a half-breed. He was an angel. He told me I needed to remember soon, Tabby’s life was in danger. Now I was human, vampire, demon and angel.

We went to the book store listed on the receipt. While there I had a flash of memory. I had been writing in a journal and there was a strong smell of coffee. Boss picked another memory. I had been writing in a journal and was going to mail it. That was four days ago. It should have arrived. What would the journal contain? Would it help answer all our questions?

While we were surfing the internet, a hacker began hunting for our IP address. Boss had us grabbing computers and weapons. Tabby was throwing bags of clothes and stacks of cash. Boss and I jumped in the SUV, Jonas and Tabby followed behind us. Gargumen were hunting us, so we split up, agreeing to meet up later.

What was up with Senator Galuzzi, presidential candidate, and Allison? Why did our internet search of them trigger such a hunt? On top of all that, Benny had told me I needed to remember, that Tabby was in danger and I could save her. From what?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

It caught my interest from the beginning. Amnesia. But as the story progressed, I found myself reading faster and faster. The book was full of mystery and suspense.

The plot was going in several directions, but they do come together.

At times I forgot the characters weren’t human. I fell in love with Jonas and Tabby was wonderful. They didn’t even know Stephanie, but would leave everything to protect her, to help her.

.
Stephanie wanted to know all the answers. She felt human and had no desire to do anyone any harm, until they threatened her new-found friends. She would do whatever it took to protect them all, even Boss.

Stephanie couldn’t always understand why Boss could be so cold and demanding. Guess she kept forgetting that he was a vampire. Isn’t that how they are? Yet, he took care of and protected Jonas and Tabby.

Then, boom it was over. I read the last page. Oh no, now what? I didn’t want it to end. I am really curious to see where this story will go. Book II: Quest came out October 8, 2012.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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The Quest, Project Eve, Book II

Lyrical Press Website

ISBN: 9781616504137

Length: 100,000 words

ePub pages: 267

Amazon / Barnes and Nobles iTunes

My 5 STAR Review

Retribution. At any cost.

Now that she knows her name and what she is, she wants justice for everything she’s lost. Though her memories elude her, she takes a job for a half-demon Senator and, aided by werewolves from a local clan, intends to uncover evidence that will convict the Senator of more than thirty murders.

Getting to the Senator and finding the necessary evidence is more difficult than she anticipates, especially when there is a bounty for her death. If that were not enough, the vampire who stole her memories returns and reveals unexpected truths. But she’s not going to let anything stop her. Not a sadistic assassin or a servant or Lucifer. Not even her ex-lover, the vampire God of the Underworld. Nothing will stop her from claiming retribution…even if the price is her life.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary lives in Indiana and is a lifetime lover of the paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy. When she’s not slaving away at her government job, she is a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author. She creates fantastical worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. Dive into her books and find action, a dash of mystery, and seductive men with passionate hearts.

The Project Eve series is an urban fantasy series with the first book, The Awakening, and the second, The Quest.

Come join me in stalking Mary Abshire

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads / LinkedIn

To get your copy from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Obsession by Sharon Buchbinder

Posted on July 30, 2013 by fundinmental

This book far surpassed my expectations.

I have so much I want to share with you on this tour, I hope you will take the time to scroll through the entire post.

Obsession
Sharon Buchbinder

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Page Count: 288
Word Count: 71392

ISBN : 978-1-61217-867-7

Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

A year after a barbaric childbirth, complete with a near-death experience and an encounter with her guardian angel, Angie Edmonds is just happy she and her son, Jake, are alive. She’s finally in a good place: clean, sober, and employed as a defense attorney. But at the end of a long work day, she finds herself in a parent’s worst nightmare: Jake has been kidnapped and taken across the Mexican border by a cult leader who believes the child is the “Chosen One.”

Stymied by the US and Mexican legal systems, Angie is forced to ask the head of a Mexican crime syndicate for help. Much to her chagrin, she must work with Alejandro Torres, a dangerously attractive criminal and the drug lord’s right-hand man. Little does she know Alejandro is an undercover federal agent, equally terrified of blowing his cover—and falling in love with her.

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

EXCERPT

“Who are you? Who is that giant? What did you say to him?”

The pony-tailed man flashed a grin, the smile reaching his sky-blue colored eyes, giving him an appealing boyish look. “The big guy’s name is Tio. I told Tio to truss Raul up like the pig he is and to bring him to Isabel Ramirez. She’ll know exactly what to do with him.”

“Who are you?”

The movie-star-handsome man stopped, bent down until he was eye-to-eye with Angie.

“I found your passport tossed onto Raul’s desk, Angela Edmonds from the U.S. of A. I like that name. You look like an angel.”

She shook her head and the street twirled. “I’m no angel.” She steadied herself on his well muscled, naked arm. Rather than creeping her out, the skin on skin contact with her rescuer reassured her that he was a real human and not an angel conjured up in fevered religious delusion and desperation. “You sound like an American. You haven’t answered my question. What’s your name?”

“Torres.” Still holding her ID, he strode to the driver’s side of the car, hopped in and flashed a dazzling grin. “You could call me your hero because I’m taking you to see the woman who can help you find your son. My name is Alejandro Espinosa Santoyo Torres. But most people just call me Alejandro.”

Near Death Experiences (NDEs), Guardian Angels, and Romance

Thank you for having me here today. I thought you and your readers might enjoy a chat about NDEs.

When I first started writing Obsession, I wanted to accurately describe my heroine’s near death experience (NDE) during childbirth. In college, I was fascinated (some say obsessed) with NDEs. I read Raymond A. Moody, Jr’s books on the topic, as well as Kenneth Ring’s research and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

As I reached out to others in the romance community about this topic, I made the acquaintance of a wonderful woman, Julia Barrett. We corresponded and became friends. Over time, I realized my fascination with NDEs was because I had had an NDE, too. However, I had never labeled it an NDE because I didn’t see a light or an angel. In communicating with Julia, I realized that NDEs have some core characteristics in common. However, each one is different. Julia met an angel, or as she called him, a companion. I never met anyone—except the police officer who brought me back to life.

I was fifteen. I was in our basement and reached behind the clothes dryer to pull something up—and completed a short circuit. Numb, unable to speak, seizing violently, the world became a black tunnel, then a sucking vortex that swept me away. No one leading me to the light. No companions. No angelic chorus. Just blackness. And a great sense of peace. Pain-free, I was okay with wherever I was. That didn’t last long.

I came to with a police officer, for whom I was supposed to babysit that evening, pounding on my chest, giving me CPR, dragging me back to this world, my entire body shaking, a stinging burn on my arm from the electricity (I still have the scar). Worst of all, my mother was going to be really, really angry at me. I remember telling the police officer I was ready to babysit for him. I was that anxious to get away from my mother’s wrath. He kept shaking his head, in disbelief, saying, “No, you’re not. You’re going to the hospital.”

In Obsession, the heroine, Angie, struggles with believing she had a near death experience, as I did. Her intellect tells her there is no such thing as dying and coming back, no dark tunnels, no angels, and that the hormones of pregnancy and childbirth created a neurochemical stew that scrambled her brain. No plot spoilers here, however, I do have a question for readers? Do you believe in NDEs? If yes, have you had one? What occurred to convince you that it was real?

~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SHARON BUCHBINDER

After working in health care delivery for years, Sharon Buchbinder became an association executive, a health care researcher, and an academic in higher education. She had it all–a terrific, supportive husband, an amazing son and a wonderful job. But that itch to write (some call it an obsession) kept beckoning her to “come on back” to writing fiction. Thanks to the kindness of family, friends, critique partners, Romance Writers of America, and Maryland Romance Writers, she is now an award-winning author published in contemporary, erotic, paranormal and romantic suspense. When not attempting to make students, colleagues, and babies laugh, she can be found herding cats, waiting on a large gray dog, fishing, dining with good friends, or writing. You can find her at www.sharonbuchbinder.com

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sharon Buchbinder’s links to keep updated on what’s happening:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

Facebook page for Obsession

The Wild Rose Press Buy Link for Print Version

My Obsession Review

Angie’s father didn’t care if she lived or died, only that the Chosen One should be born. Her labor was difficult and she thought she would die from it, or her father would butcher her to save the child.

She was ready to go with the angel, but the angel turned away and she was sucked back into her body.

Angie’s father had been imprisoned after he was arrested for kidnapping her newborn son, Jake. No one could have foreseen that he would escape from prison and kidnap her son again. This time, he moved the cult to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico, far away from any form of civilization.

She was frantic. She must get her son away from her father and the cult. She had always known that she was on her own and she was not going to let anything stand in the way of getting her child back.

The FBI could do nothing. They were so busy with the Mexican drug wars, they had no time for the kidnapping of a child.

She called in every favor she was owed. She would be working with the top drug kingpin in Mexico, who sent Alejandro Torres to meet her.

Would he be her savior or her downfall?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I thought this would be a great book just from the book blurb, but it far surpassed my expectations very early in the book. I thought a child being kidnapped, the Mexican cartel, a cult along the lines of Jimmy Jones and a sexy undercover operative – Awesome. Then she adds some other elements I didn’t see coming and WOW. It blew me away.

Her writing is excellent and the story has so many layers that it kept my mind racing as I tried to figure out what would happen. I have this insatiable need to try and figure out the ending before I get there. LOL

Good and evil. The age old story. Angie’s father believed he was Satan in human form, she was Jezebel and her child was the Messiah.. Her father wanted to raise Jake to rule the world.

I was pissed off from the getgo. A scenario such as this is why I believe in the death penalty. Some people are so evil, I believe they shouldn’t be walking the earth and breathing the air.

Some fantastic quotes:

“Tried to keep her eyes off his crotch.” “

“She pretended he had a giant python in his pants.”

“Please put on some freaking clothes and cover up that snake.”

“Womb with no view.”

“The man was without a doubt a humongous danger to anyone with a vagina.”

Priceless. Amongst all the badness a laugh emerges.

I received this book for an honest and unbiased review in conjunction with the tour.

To pick up a copy of Sharon Buchbinder’s books, or to find out more, click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Warning!! Turn on the lights before reading – Too Dark To Sleep by Dianne Gallagher

Posted on July 24, 2013 by fundinmental

I am so happy to share with you this awesome debut novel and a new author that I will be keeping my EYE on. We have a giveaway, review and some questions answered by the author along with an update on what is happening in her world of writing. So come on in and sit a spell. Let us entertain you. ^_^

A psychological thriller that will not leave you in the dark, because you will be turning on every light in the house to keep the terror at bay. Even the cover creeped me out. lol

Add To Goodreads

Too Dark To Sleep by Dianne Gallagher

Not only is this a story of a serial killer, but it is also a story of a woman’s descent into madness after the death of her child.

Maggie had tried to commit suicide and there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that she had meant business. The scars went from wrist to elbow. She entered the Darkness and could not seem to find her way back to the light.

She was approached to act as a consultant on the case she was working before she had tried to commit suicide. Two young women had been murdered, and she believed it was the same killer. Now there was a third.

She thought for some time, before she made the decision to take it on.

They teamed her up with a rookie, Nick Dublowski, who seemed to smile his way through life.

Would the case save her, or finish her off?

5 STARS – Would buy it for them (lol)

I won this book in a Giveaway on I Read A Book Once. I received the signed paperback and couldn’t help but start to read it immediately. I mean, look at the cover. And the title, so descriptive of the book. Thank you for the wonderful Giveaway.

Dianne Gallagher did an excellent job of making her psychological terror seem as if the dark were a physical being stalking Maggie. The details had chills running up and down my spine as I got up and turned on the lights. What was that flash out of the corner of my eye? I swear I keep seeing something. Goosebumps make the hair on my arms stand up as if by static electricity.

The suspense kept me engrossed in the book, unable to put it down.

I loved her description of Maggie:

“Everything about the woman should’ve read frail, but it didn’t. It was like looking at a knife blade in the sun. Cold. Hard. Sharp.”

I think the book did a great job of addressing depression, showing how it can dominate and take over a person’s life, leaving them feeling as if there is only one way out. BUT I don’t want you to think this book is only about depression.

It’s also about Maggie’s determination to make a serial killer pay for his crimes. It becomes her life’s mission, after he makes it personal. When you think it can’t get any deeper or darker, it does. It is a thriller of a highest caliber.

The ending blew me away. I would love to tell you about it, but you will have to read the book. If you like thrillers, this is one you don’t want to let pass you by.

This is Dianne Gallagher’s debut novel. If this is the beginning of her writing career, I can hardly wait to see what the future holds. Well done Dianne.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne has learned one big lesson. Life is never a straight line.

Starting in theatre with a BFA from the University of Minnesota, Dianne focused on performance intially, but then discovered playwriting with several of her competition-winning plays being performed at the University. A move to Los Angeles gave her the opportunity to do a little screenwriting. While working on her own spec material, she formatted, edited, critiqued scripts… and even wrote a redux of that B-movie classic, The Crawling Eye.

Now in the Chicago area, Dianne has put her energy into novels. After increased success in ghosting and editing, she started writing for herself. The result is the debut novel, Too Dark to Sleep.

FAQS ABOUT DIANNE:

When do you write?
When I have time and ideas. I’m a ruminator, so I usually have to walk around with an
idea for a while before I put anything on paper. I’m also not as disciplined as I should be.
I’m easily distracted unless I’m burning with a really good story. Of course, I could make
myself write, but I’d just end up with a lot of useless pages. When the stars align and I’m
in the groove, I can pop out 20 or more good pages at a sitting and that’s the best kind of
writing.

What kind of research do you do?
For Too Dark to Sleep, I used Practical Homicide Investigations by Vernon
Geberth, Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation by Barry Fisher and David Fisher, the
DSM-IV, some forensic psychology articles and a variety of other sources including, early
on, a Chicago police officer. I also spent a fair amount of time researching the Outfit and
their role in Chicago. Once my head is filled with the hard core stuff, I basically put it
aside and just write. Research is great, but a compelling story is better. It’s awkward to
read something that sounds like someone quoting what they learned, so much of the
research I do never makes it specifically to the page. The idea is not to read the facts, but
read the affects the facts have on the story.

Where do your ideas come from?
For Too Dark to Sleep, it all started after a conversation in which one question stuck with
me. What would you do if you lost everything? The conversation lasted hours and I’m sure
too much wine was consumed, but one question was the seed. There was this great
character floating around in my head who needed someplace to go, so I put the two
together and things just kind of fell into place.

For Indigo, my agent at the time suggested I come up with something new, so he threw
out a few suggested hot topics. Honestly, it’s really hard to write to market, but one of the
ideas led me to a twist in the approach… which led me to days of research and nothing
even remotely interesting or fun to write… but it did give me an interesting new
protagonist. There’s nothing quite so frustrating as a good character with no place
to play. Then one day I was watching this, well, silly show about psychic kids… which led
to me stumbling across Indigo children… which led to reading a ton of books and articles
on various subjects that seemed kind of connected… then, things just kind of fell into
place.

How long have you been writing?
A long time. My first “novel” was in fifth grade. My teacher, Mr. Zimmerman, was very
supportive. I might have pursued writing more had I not gotten bitten by the acting bug. I
did competitive speech and drama all through middle school and high school, majoring in
theater in college. About a year in, I realized I was a competent performer, but nothing
amazing. I decided to enter the university’s one-act play competition and won three years
in a row. Thought about getting a masters in that area. However, much to my
chagrine, Charles Nolte, who was teaching at the time at the University of Minnesota and
who loved my plays, told me I was really a novelist… not a playwright. I tried to prove him wrong for many years. When my husband decided to go to film school in California, I tried my hand at screenwriting. When we moved back to the Midwest, I switched to editing, critiquing and ghosting fiction while we raised two kids. Then after some successes in the ghosting and rewriting field, I realized it was time to stop selling my work to my clients and start writing for myself. So here I am. Even though Too Dark to Sleep is my first novel… I’ve got a lot of writing under my belt.

Who do you read?
Oddly enough, I don’t read in my genre. I’m a huge sci-fi geek. Bradbury’s Illustrated
Man got me started at a very early age. I also love William Gibson, Larry Niven, Asimov…
you know the standards. Love the Year’s Best Science Fiction anthologies. When I need a
really good laugh, Christopher Moore is a huge favorite. Honestly, when I read, I read to
get away and to relax.

WIP

I’m working on the first book of a new (and slightly less noir) mystery series. Indigo should be ready for release later this year.

Synopsis:

A sleepy Illinois suburb is rocked when one of its children doesn’t come home. And not just any child. An Indigo child. Psychologist Sid Adler is contracted to interview the Indigo children and their families. And she’s sure here’s something even more dangerous than a child abductor lurking in the quiet town.

I’ve got about a hundred pages of the next Maggie Quinn book and hope to release that some time next year.

Feel free to stalk Dianne at the links below:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / LinkedIn

To purchase Dianne Gallagher’s debut novel, simply click on the cover below.

GIVEAWAY

Dianne Gallagher is offering for the Giveaway two signed paperbacks to domestic (US) winners and two signed ebooks (mobi, epub or pdf) to international winners.

Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What would you do if you lost everything? I chose this question because it was Dianne’s inspiration for this book, Too Dark To Sleep.

Signed paperback winners: Daphne and Kristie

Signed ebook winners: Laura and Tamara

Congratulations and a big thank you to all you wonderful commenters!

Giveaway is Closed.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Review of Diva by Susan Fleet plus a Free Thriller

Posted on July 23, 2013 by fundinmental

Susan Fleet does her research, and if you visit her Website, you will see that she keeps up with a lot of news, past and current, that deals with the depravities of the criminal world.

She also has a free thriller being offered through July 26, 2013. I posted the freebie earlier, but just in case you didn’t get your copy of Absolution, you can get it HERE. To see my 5 STAR Review, go HERE.

Now, on to Diva.

Belinda Scully, a solo flutist and soon to be famous, he thought. Today he would send her a message.

Renzi was just finishing up, when she walked into the precinct. Her escort insisted someone tried to run her over. Belinda shrugged it off, playing the Diva. Renzi knew neither of them was telling the whole truth, but before he could question them further, the phone rang. He was called away.

Belinda would repeat, over and over, “never give in to fear. Act successful and you will be successful. Believe in yourself and you cannot fail.” She behaved like a Diva to protect herself.

It was the thirteenth anniversary of her brother’s death. And it was the day before Friday the 13th. She avoided everything thirteen, but sometimes things are out of our control.

Belinda was returning home from a successful performance concert in London. She watched as the SUV followed her, keeping pace with her. Suddenly, it veered and slammed into the back of her Infiniti.

Frank had told her to call if anything happened. But what could she tell him?

Two accidents and now the letters were getting angry and threatening. Following Renzi’s suggestion, she hired a body guard.

“I know all your secrets Belinda. What would your fans think if they knew?”

5 STARS – Would Highly RecommendTo Others

Susan’s covers are always great. They show the upcoming story inside the pages, making me want to find out what depravity has been inflicted on someone now. lol

I love all the detail she packed in her book. The story is very well written and draws me in quickly, not letting go until the end. She seems to pick topics that get my blood boiling and my anger levels at their maximum. I feel disgust and hatred for the evil that her characters inflict on the innocent and always cheer when they get their comeuppance. And I am quite comfortable walking the streets her characters walk through New Orleans.

Renzi is a bit of a rebel. He believes in right and wrong and sometimes he bends the rules to do the right thing. He likes dark haired sexy women, with a sense of humor – like Jane Russell. I loved the way Jane Russell bantered with Robert Mitchum in the movies from the 50’s. Susan’s use of this example helps me to understand and get into Renzi’s relationship with Kelly. Of course, Renzi plays a trumpet and loves Jazz, it is New Orleans after all. I like that Susan includes these personal touches of her life into her books. Gives the books a feeling of authenticity.

Susan’s descriptions of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina are detailed and will help you to picture what the town was like. The line between fiction and reality was definitely blurred to me.

New Orleans is not known for having the best police force to begin with. Now, with crime off the charts, the thugs in paradise dealing drugs and killing just to killl, it can be a dangerous place to live. Some of the worst atrocities were focused on women and with the shortage of police, it was an uphill battle.

It was a little over a year since Katrina and Renzi thought the thugs were winning the battle. So much devastation and trash, empty houses, squatters and crime. Much of the population did not return. How would they get back and what was there to come back to? Would they have a house, a job…..It all smacks of reality.

I have been to New Orleans many times before and after Hurricane Katrina. I pass through Mississippi on the way there. The devastation is still very visible and impossible to miss. In Florida, it is obvious as well – the loss of beach, the starkness of the dead landscape, slabs of concrete where houses used to be – it will never be the same, but change is inevitable and the allure of the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico call to me.

Like all things in Nature, the land does try to find the balance. Too bad people don’t work the same way.

Can you imagine a stalker? Knowing your every move, calling over and over, sending you letters. The creepiness of knowing they have been in your home, touching your things and who knows what else. The shadows in the corners, jumping at every noise. Looking over your shoulder everywhere you go. How deadly could or would it become? How would you get over it?

There have been enough real life stalker deaths of famous people to highlight the dangers and show us how real it can be. Imagine how bad it would be for us, the average joe, without the money and ability to hire protection.

Stalkers take a lot of time and effort to plan. Their fantasy and desire override any sense of reality and wrongness. They will kill to eliminate a competitor or threat or just to be noticed.

So, to sum it up, another fantastic book from Susan Fleet and I am definitely looking forward to more trips to New Orleans with her. And, as usual, her books create all these thoughts and feelings that I must let out, so forgive my rambling on. That’s why they have 5 STAR ratings. LOL

I picked up this book on an Amazon free day. Thank you Susan Fleet for you generosity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Music & Mayhem is my game. Started my trumpet career in my teens, got into the mayhem later. My print journalist father taught me how to play pool in the police station. Maybe that’s how I discovered my dark side.

After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers.

I survived Katrina, but moved back to Boston in 2010. On my website I post profiles of women musicians and just began a blog, DARK DEEDS, about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!

You can stalk Susan at the links below:

Website / Goodreads / You Tube / Amazon Author Page

To see my 5 STAR Review of Natalie’s Revenge, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Absolution, go HERE.

To purchase any of Susan Fleet’s books, simply click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Last FREE DAY for BLOOD IS HEAVIER by Ella Medler plus Review

Posted on July 18, 2013 by fundinmental

Today is the last free day for Blood is Heavier. To see why you want this book, read on! And, guess what. No wait for Book II, Blood is Power. It releases tomorrow. So, be sure and come back to fundinmental to find out what Nick and Tequila are up to next.

Nick was always in a hurry to get home and it was all because of Maxi. She had made his life a good one. He had never believed marriage, a child and a normal life could be so wonderful.

Then his past came back to haunt him.

Maxi called to tell him that J. B. was keeping her company until Nick got home.

Nick was a retired assassin and they wanted him to do a job for them.

The message they sent ripped his heart from his chest, crushed him.

They didn’t seem to be afraid of him, but they should have been.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I love the covers of the Hunter Series books. They are vibrant and alive. I immediately want to pick them up and read them.

My favorite genre is murders, mysteries and thrillers – Ella Medler does not let me down. I kicked back in my lounger and let her take me away with Nick. Riveting from the very beginning.

The writing was FUN. I loved the humorous, sarcastic, snappy dialogue.

I loved Spyder Tequila. She was flippant, confident and had a sassy attitude. The banter between her and Nick was wonderful. They were comfortable around each other and there was no doubt of their trust. But, can you ever really trust someone, 100%, anyone? What do you think? I want to see more of her please. ^_^

When Tequila and Nick were talking about the girl hanging back from the others and why she was so sad (people watching), it made me think of my girlfriend. We would do the same thing – try to figure out the persons job, were they married, what kind of car did they drive………

I could picture Tequila, leaning back against the counter with her ankles crossed and a wicked grin on her face as she goads Nick. It made me laugh out loud. I felt like I was there, watching them banter back and forth goodnaturedly. I could relate to her easily.

The ending was awesome. I smiled again. But you will have to read the book to find out why.

I am looking forward to Book II of The Hunter Series, which is due out tomorrow, so stay tuned to fundinmental to get your peek at another great Hunter book. Check out the cover below.

Favorite Quotes:

“As soon as one got close to people one became responsible.”

“Heavy burden, trust. Don’t you think? ” “Blood Is Heavier.”

“Careful, Daddy…..you’re going to squeeze all the love out of me.”

How sweet. I could picture it. I couldn’t help but smile with tears in my eyes.

I can’t remember how I received this book, but I believe it was a free Amazon day. Thank you Ella Medler for sharing the love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ella Medler

I live in Cornwall with my husband and our two teenage daughters who regularly threaten to never leave home (must be my cooking).

Together, we care for a large assortment of pets, some small enough to fit in a fish tank, and some capable of causing you significant injury on impact.

I was born in Transylvania but got chucked out due to my inability to grow fangs and reluctance to sleep in coffins. I studied economics to masters level, and qualified with 93.5% (damn good, considering I really wasn’t interested). I wanted to be an archaeologist, travel the world, scrape around in mud and live in squalor. Unfortunately, my mother won that argument, and so, after refusing a teaching post (I never did like school), I started work in business development consultancy roles, where I met my husband, the lucky so and so.

The rest is history. If you’re reading this, you already know the end of the story.

FUTURE WORKS

Blood is Power (Book Two in the Hunter Series)

Releasing tomorrow, so stay tuned to fundinmental for more info.

Martin Little Takes Epic Action (Book Two in the Martin Little Series)

Deal With It – Tequila’s story

IN COLLABORATION WITH KRISTIE S. HAIGWOOD

Eternal Inception

CONTACT LINKS For Ella Medler

Blog / Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

To pick up a copy of Ella Medler’s blooks, simply click on the cover below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I by Carlie M A Cullen

Posted on July 17, 2013 by fundinmental

Be sure and take a gander at the Found book trailer at the end of the post. Carlie tells her story of how Heartsearch came to be.

My Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I. I will have to apologize before hand for getting so carried away and rambling on in my review about this book. If you love Vampires and haven’t read these, you will not regret picking up a copy today. I want to tell you, so much, how this book ends, but then………………

SYNOPSIS

He had waited so long for THIS human.

Joshua had visited South Weald Country Park many times. He had no idea that this time would be life changing.

As I thought of becoming Mrs. Joshua Grant, I couldn’t help but smile. Joshua met me at the airport. His kiss was very passionate. We made love that night and I awoke to find bruises all over my body. I guess he really did miss me. I managed to keep it from him, but when we made love again, I awoke in the morning feeling even more pain. It wasn’t just bruises this time. There were long, raw scratches down my arms and thighs. Before I could cover up, he came in the room. He saw what he had done and fell to his knees, crying. He ran from the house.

After Remy left for work, Joshua returned to the house. He saw the wedding lists on the table. He grabbed a pen and pad and wrote, “Dear Remy………….”

MY REVIEW

I had heard a lot about this book from my sister at fuonlyknew. She fell in love with it. Myself, I thought, oh another vampire book. I take my Vampires in small doses. Thrillers and mysteries are my favorites, with the paranormal and horror next in line. Was I in for a huge surprise. I have read thousands of books, so to surprise me is huge kudos to the author.

I was immediately drawn in and the story never let me go. It is so well written that the pages passed quickly beneath my eyes. I was in a hurry to find out how this would go.

The story is told from two different points of view, Remy’s and Joshua’s. Carlie did really well blending them together so I didn’t loose track of what was happening going back and forth.

Remy’s love was so strong that she couldn’t let him go. She went in “Search” of him. As Remy starts to dream, my hand reaches to turn the page. Oops, no page, it’s my Kindle. How would you “Search” ? Where to begin once the obvious is done? I guess that is why a show like America’s Most Wanted is such a hit. John Walsh, the host, is a prime example of how far some people will go to get an answer.

At first I really didn’t like how callous the vampires were, then I thought, that’s how they are supposed to be. Cold, self-centered, unfeeling. Carlie’s vampires seemed more realistic. Realistic? LOL. Before I knew it, I was laughing at myself. Is there such a thing as a nice vampire? I think I fell for Joshua. How could that be? Can a Vampire be a good guy?

Remy had been bubbly, outgoing, an extrovert, the life of the party type. As Carlie talks about the pain of her loss, I could feel her determination to find him.

When Remy was people watching, I smiled. I remember my girlfriend, who is no longer with us. We used to sit and watch people, trying to figure out who they were, what they did for a living, what car they drove…..I still love to people watch, but it just isn’t the same. I love a book that gets my mind working and I get more from the book than just the author’s story. Thanks Carlie for stretching my mind.

I FREAKED OUT at the ending. Caught me totally off guard. A huge surprise. I thought it was going to be one thing and it was another. I laughed out loud because I never saw it coming.

Carlie is awesome at throwing you a curve ball, so don’t think you know what is going to happen before it does. You are sure to be shocked and amazed. Her ability to tell a story about vampires that is so unique is mind blowing. I have never read a vampire book like this and I loved where she took it. I cannot even guess where she will take me next. I am so glad I have Book II so I don’t have to wait.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.