Giveaway/Review of Faithful Shadow by Kevin J. Howard

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I absolutely adore monsters; whether it’s Jaws, Godzilla or the creature from underground in Yellowstone National Park.

Faithful Shadow

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Alex and Emily went to Yellowstone camping, even though there was a major fire going on. Little did they know, it would end so badly for them.

Since his son’s death, Joe was angry at the park and was nipping at the bottle to get http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/gallery/97_20060104112903.jpgthrough the day. He and Andy responded to a call about vandalism at the cabins at Old Faithful Inn. Blood filled the cabin, but the scene didn’t make any sense. They chalked it up to a bear attacking a bird. (Yeah, right) They left, but both of them were thinking of the missing hikers.

It was tradition for the Foster family to work at the park and Kelly was angry that the fire was happening while she was there. She was from Mobile, Alabama. A true Southern Belle, blonde-haired and blue-eyed with sparkling white teeth. A real Hottie.

A group of the young employees were going to the hot pots to party. They had some marijuana, booze and sleeping bags. Kelly had to stay behind. It was her night to close the ice cream shop.

When Richard came to meet her, she told him about being watched by someone. Of course, he went to check it out and was pulled into the woods. I sat here shouting, don’t go in the woods. It’s one of those things, you know he’s going to do it and the monster is going to get him. lol

But he was just pranking her, a practical joke.

In the morning, at the hot pots, Doug and Rowena were gone. Everyone knew they didn’t like each other and they sure wouldn’t go off together.

Dale was working on the fire at the west line, but he toldA firefighter surveys the damage. Cameron they were to go to Old Faithful Inn. When he turned around to find out what was taking Cameron so long, he was just gone, vanished. The crew searched for more than an hour and found no clue.

Dale couldn’t just let it go, so he went back to see if he could find Cameron. He had fallen into a sinkhole. When Dale called to him, he responded. Bob went down to get him. As they pulled Cameron out, Bob looked around. He looked down and saw thousands and thousands of bones, human and animal, large and small. He practically crawled out of the hole on his own. Bob had never been so terrified in his life, wondering what was down there with him. What created all those bones?

Dale watched Bob and Cameron walk away. There was something really odd about Cameron. His coat looked funny, like it wasn’t fitting properly. He had slapped at himself and yelled about the dark. Bob thought Cameron felt very heavy and he had a rotting stench radiating from him. The smell was so rank, he thought he would vomit.

Natasha was cleaning rooms, most of them were empty because of the fire. She came to Cameron’s room. He didn’t look right and when she looked closer, she knew why. She could feel something watching her, but it couldn’t be Cameron. As she looked around, she saw two green eyes peering at her from the closet.

eyes green Pictures, Images and Photos

More people are missing. Joe is forced to deal with it. Will his drinking be the death of him and by failing to do his job, others? He knew, whatever it was, wasn’t human. It was all connected. It rode up from the hole – piggybacked on Cameron. Joe is given a purpose. It is his job to protect everyone in the park. He is determined to do it. It is his park and he will deal with the creature. Stew, Richard, Kelly and Sonia were just as determined to help.

How do you kill a shadow? How many would be left standing?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos    4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

An awesome cover. I love the colors and the flames, with the eeriness of the water and the mountains in the background. Get a shiver just looking at it, wondering what is to come.

I love that it started being creepy from the get-go. Kept my undivided attention throughout the book. The plot and writing were very entertaining and engrossing. A debut novel that will leave you wanting more.

The characters were well-developed and their personalities made you either like them or not. I felt sorry for Joe and really hoped he would turn himself around and be the hero. Of course, you will have to read it for yourself to find out. lol

Remember the fears of childhood? I remember the monster under my bed. I couldn’t let anything hang over the edge of the bed, because it might get me. I had to stay completely covered. I just knew it was under there, waiting for me to put my feet down.

Amazing how the monster comes back, when you are sitting in the dark, getting creeped out by the critters running rampant in the book you’re reading. Every creak and noise of the house has you looking over your shoulder, wondering…………

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin J.  HowardKevin J. Howard was born in Mission Viejo, California, moved to Seattle at the age of twenty-one, and now lives in Puyallup. He hand wrote his first novel in the fifth grade and has been writing ever since. His first published novel, Faithful Shadow, is a return to the classic horror novel. Since writing Faithful Shadow he has completed four additional horror novels that will soon be published. In 2012, he won an award in the Las Vegas International Film Festival for his screenplay, Identical Opposites. Kevin looks to release his next horror novel in December of 2012.

Recent Honors:

I was just awarded the title of Scariest Author for 2012 after a month long round of voting via the Outskirts Press Face Book page.  I would like to thank everyone that voted for such a warm response.

http://selfpublishingnews.com/2012/11/07/the-2012-outskirts-press-scariest-author-has-been-chosen/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook

 To stalk Kevin, follow the links below:

Website

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos  Kevin is offering 3 ebooks  for the Giveaway. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What is your favorite monster? 

Closed. Winners are Pragya – Melanie – Lacey. All winners have been notified.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, click HERE.

Please tweet it out and share it with your friends, family and followers, not required.

It is always appreciated if you follow me by email, but not required.

To order the books, simply click on the cover below

FANGED MANIA # 8 – Review of The Rise: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book III by H. D. Gordon

To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

The prize pack I mentioned includes Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn posters as well as a paperback copy of Erica Steven’s Captured (my review here) and the complete collection of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter stories by Jennifer Malone Wright, in paperback, too! =D

Oh, and the contest is international. And the more Fanged Mania posts you have, the more entries you get! So what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon!

My Review of The Rise by H. D. Gordon

  Her writing is so damn good, I don’t know if I’ll survive it.

.The Rise (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #3)

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The Prophecy says one will come along who will raise an army and free the enslaved. Alexa Montgomery was to be the one.

Spoiler Alert:  The Rise: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book III

Alexa’s mother admonished her for leaving Nelly behind when she came to rescue her from prison. It was Nelly they were really after and I had left her alone at Two Rivers.

The only purpose I had in life was to protect her. I am a Sun Warrior, one of a kind. My monster within loves to kill – actually revels in it and I would do whatever it takes to keep Nelly safe.

Nelly is one of a kind too, a vampire and a searcher She is able to search others thoughts. But the real reason they would kill her, she is half Lamia. She is considered a danger to everyone.

The King was responsible for the fate of the villagers in Two Rivers. He kept them drugged and ignorant of the fate awaiting them. He was using them as a blood factory. The depth of the King’s evil was black and ugly. The King had arranged for my mother to be imprisoned and I wanted him dead.

Everyone thought the Prophecy meant me, but I knew it meant Nelly. The Prophecy said Nelly would save the King’s captives, but die in the process.

Nelly was called in to see the King. She knew she was in trouble. He is a highly skilled searcher. She is barely able to control herself. She couldn’t give away she was as powerful a searcher as he was. That would mean her death.

Nelly was surprised when he asked about Alexa. Was this about her? He told her Alexa’s  crimes were treason and murder. Before Nelly could stop herself, she spit on his shoes. She felt such a red-hot anger, she lost all control. Alexa was not a traitor.

As the King grabbed Nelly’s hand to search her, she turned her powers loose. The King was thrown from her. As she searched him she saw a vision. She saw him dead. Alexa’s sword had slain him and Alexa lay dead beside him.

She screamed and her power threw everyone against the walls.

The Queen finally got her attention and said to put the King asleep, like the others, or they wouldn’t be able to escape.

lion Pictures, Images and Photos

Alexa and Kayden were racing to get back to Nelly. They had to stop for gas and when they got out to pump it, Kayden pulled something from his pocket and told Alexa Happy Birthday. It was the most beautiful ring Alexa had ever seen.

” “I – I belong to you.” Alexa said to him, her beautiful lion. Even her monster was quiet.”

Nelly gathered, with her mind, the few she could take, as they made their escape. When the Lamia attacked and killed Daniel, she lost all control. Her rage could not be held back. It flowed out to the Lamia, killing them all  and she absorbed their energy.

The van for their escape was near, but Nelly directed them away from it. Even though it was night, she saw the sun and went towards it. Something was calling to her, but she didn’t know what.

“Stop” Alexa yelled at Kayden, but she didn’t know why.

She was being drawn to Nelly. They had a bond that demanded they find each other.

When she saw them standing in the road, she realized Tommy was holding Nelly. Alexa knew what she needed, so she proceeded to cut her arm and offered it to the unconscious Nelly. With no warning Nelly attacked her.

Alexa didn’t think things could get any worse. But she was so very wrong.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos   5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

H. D. Gordon is creating new covers as I write this review. I already liked them, now I think they are even more amazing, bringing together the entire series.

I raced through the pages, beginning to end. Alexa’s story kept getting better and better. I was waiting, holding my breath, for what would happen next.

It was a punch to the gut when Nelly killed and fled. Not sweet Nelly. I thought she was going to be the heroine.

Alexa had been pushed to her limits. She was distraught. She would do whatever it took to save Nelly but she was paralyzed by her loss. Her love was selfless.

Amazing descriptions of the supernatural characters and their environment. I love this series so much, I cannot find the words to describe how I feel as I read along.

I raced through the last pages, not realizing I was coming to the end. What’s going to happen. No, it can’t be. WTF.

I sat there with my mouth hanging open, thinking, now what. My heart fell. Then, I thought, okay. There’s one more book and I have to go get it. NOW!!!

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

To see my Review of Blood Warrior, go HERE.

To see my Review of Half Black Soul, go HERE.

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.
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To follow H. D. Gordon, use the links below:
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To buy any of her books, simply click on the cover.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

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WINNER!!! of the Stitch Giveaway

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winner of the Stitch by Samantha Durante Giveaway is:

Kari

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

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To see my Review, go HERE.

WINNERS!!! of the Natalie’s Revenge Giveaway

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of the Natalie’s Revenge by Susan Fleet Giveaway are:

Laura Thomas

Emily Guido

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

To see my Review, go HERE.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

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

To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

The prize pack I mentioned includes Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn posters as well as a paperback copy of Erica Steven’s Captured (my review here) and the complete collection of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter stories by Jennifer Malone Wright, in paperback, too! =D

Oh, and the contest is international. And the more Fanged Mania posts you have, the more entries you get! So what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon!

Review of the middle aisle by taylor dean

“Riveting conclusion” is so appropriate. I know sometimes the second book can be a letdown, but this knocked my socks off. I was racing through the pages, unable to put it down. Incredibly written. Psychologically and emotionally draining.

.The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)

Zoe had moved into the Victorian House determined to renovate it and sell it. What she found instead, was a love so strong, that even the supernatural barriers in front of her and Andre could not keep her from his arms.

Spoiler Alert: This is the conclusion of the lancaster house series.

To see the Review for lancaster house, Book I, go HERE.

Dr. Channing woke Zoe with a full tray of breakfast. Since being pregnant, she ate more than ever. She hated being bedridden, but loved her little package.

She admitted to Dr. Channing that Andre had been a figment of her imagination.

Dr. Channing wanted her to tell her story from the time she had escaped from the hospital. She told the doctor that she knew Andre would be waiting for her. She told him, that as she raced toward the closed front door of the house, it opened by itself. She jumped into Andre’s arms and poof – she vanished into thin air.

The house had been rented, while Zoe spent six months in Serenity Hills Psychiatric Hospital. The renters corroborated her story.

As Andre held her, they watched Dr. Channing walk through the house. Andre swore he would never leave her again. When the Dr. left, he wished them happiness. Why would he do that, if he believed Andre wasn’t real?

As they kissed, Zoe tried to crawl inside Andre’s skin. There was still a barrier between them. She desperately wanted to be one with him.

Dr. Channing asked the neighbors if he could put up a camera, aimed at Zoe’s house. He wanted to prove to Zoe there was no Andre. He felt she was playing him.  And what about Dr. Channing? Wasn’t something wrong with him? Was he overly obsessed with Zoe?

Andre said he wanted to take her down the middle aisle – get married. He was changing because of her love, his curse was lifting. Zoe was so in love with Andre, she didn’t want to live without him. Was he really turning human? Would they be able to connect and lift the barrier between them?

Does she really believe the baby is Andre’s?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos    5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Was he a ghost? A vampire? Was he even real? The story will have you so engrossed, that it won’t matter what Andre really is. He will win you over.

I felt it was such a tragic love story, that I wanted to cry with Zoe, as she strived to create a real life with Andre. Their love was so great, I could only hope that it would break all the barriers that the supernatural had imposed on them. I loved the characters, and even Dr. Channing won me over in the end.

teary eyes Pictures, Images and PhotosThe psychological thrill ride had me questioning everything. The plot was so unique and unforeseen, that I was constantly surprised.

The ending left me stunned, I smiled as the tears ran down my face.  It was one of the best endings of any book I have read and left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lingered long after I had finished the book.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean

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

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

Website

Goodreads

To order any of the books below, 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.

Holiday Greetings From Eric Kent Edstrom

Happy holidays everyone!

Puppy picks up kitten in stocking to say - Merry Xmas - animated Pictures, Images and Photos
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I’m currently visiting my parents in the frigid, Wisconsin Northwoods. Fortunately, as I write this I’m ensconced in a cushy sofa, and the heat in the cabin is cranked.

I’m so excited to announce that Starkiller, the third and final book in The Undermountain Saga is available as an ebook from Amazon, Smashwords and Kobo. Still waiting for Barnes and Noble and Apple to get their acts together. The paperback version will be available soon.
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Please consider picking up a copy, and if the spirit moves, you tell someone you know about how great the series is!!!
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I’m also thrilled to announce that The Undermountain Omnibus is available too. Currently it’s only at Amazon. It’s a bargain bundle that includes all three ebooks in one volume. Did you know you can give Kindle books as gifts?
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Now it’s time for me to get back to writing. I have some cool projects in the works for next year.
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Happy holidays and have a great 2013!
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Eric
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This is such an amazing series, I cannot say enough about it. I just received Starkiller and can hardly wait to start it. The covers are so beautiful and this collection would be a wonderful addition to anyone’s book collection.
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Happy Holidays,
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Sherry
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Tropical -  Tropical - Christmas - Holidays -  Tropical, Beach, Scuba,
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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
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Fanged Mania #6 – Giveaway/Review – Being Mrs Dracula by Faith Marlow

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(To see the complete rules for Fanged Mania, go to the end of the post)

Being Mrs. Dracula

When Van Helsing died, he left a diary. That, in turn, led to more diaries by the Mrs. Dracula‘s. The story is told from the wives perspective.

Valeria’s father aligned their family with Count Dracula by Valeria’s marriage to him. The Count was a good man, but he scared her very much. He had courted her for a short time, so they weren’t strangers when the wedding finally took place. The sex was more wonderful than she could imagine. Afterwards, she lay with her head on his chest and listened to his heart beat.

As Hungary and the Turks fought, he had to go into battle. When he returned at the first of the year, he was a different man. Rumors that he slaughtered thousands of men women and children ran rampant.

She feared him, but couldn’t fight the attraction she had for him. He had changed. She touches him and he feels so cold. His teeth seem longer and he is stronger, even though she never sees him eat. The light shines on his red eyes.

red eyes Pictures, Images and Photos

She had been ill, but recovered while he was gone. When he had come home, she seemed to get ill again. She also noticed, she had another “love” bite. It seemed as they made love, he could read her mind. He fed off her, which was her illness. She has such love for him, that she doesn’t mind. He is now a man-creature, who comes home from battle in the middle of the night and enters through the window.

The servants were terrified and many of them fled, but she didn’t care. Valeria and the Count fed off each other, sharing their life force – blood. She loved him, even though she thought she would die because of him. Even she thought herself odd.

When he left with the peasants, she realized she had been abandoned. She sent the rest of the servants away and she was now all alone. She would kill herself before she would let the Turks take her.

As she dies, she is reborn. Like her husband, she is now a vampire.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Castelul_Bran.jpg/640px-Castelul_Bran.jpg

She is vicious in her revenge of the Turks looting her home. She tells of her anger when she is abandoned by Vlad. She rampages through her home, and the carnage and savage killing of the Turks are beyond description.

After two years, she takes up her pen and begins her diaries.

http://i-love-cartoons.us/snags/clipart/christmas/looney-toons/Christmas-Taz.jpg    5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

A vampire book like no other. It is told in the form of diaries, and begins with his first wife, Valeria. Needless to say, he is immortal, so one wife would never be enough. Vlad’s callousness, cruelty, and betrayals are so selfish and self-centered, it makes you wonder how the wives are able to keep their sanity. Or do they?

The story is told from the wives points of view. The confusion, loneliness, hatred, grief, love, pain, and betrayal they experience will leave you feeling emotionally drained.

When I first opened the book, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it. I’m not huge on books written as diaries. It didn’t take long for me to become totally engrossed in it. You must keep reading or you will miss a truly unique story of a love like no other.

I fell in love with Valeria. Even though she is a vampire and has the capacity to be truly vicious and savage, her love encompasses so much more than she thought she would ever be able to give. The horrible things she goes through would make you think she would be incapable of what she does at the end of the story. The ending blew me away and I can hardly wait to read the sequel. I hope you are a fast writer Faith. lol

Faith Marlow takes vampires to a whole new level. I never saw where this book was going and I am so glad, because the surprise was well worth waiting until the last page to discover. I loved where she went with the book and the journey was well worth traveling.

As I sit here writing the review, all I can think of is WOW. I am still caught up in the story, trying to think how to describe it to you, so that you will be sure to pick up your copy and enjoy Valeria’s story.

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

About the Author

Faith MarlowIn the fifth grade, Faith Marlow discovered a fondness and talent for writing and has considered herself a storyteller ever since. The notion of transporting a reader into another place or time, to allow the reader to experience life from the perspective of the character is as intriguing is it is challenging and is at the heart of any project she undertakes. In addition to writing, she is an avid reader (a dedicated student of Dean Koontz), movie connoisseur, and a veritable repository for all manner of useless yet entertaining knowledge.

Faith lives in Tennessee with her high school sweetheart/ husband, Scottie, their son Avery, and Moses the loyal family turtle. As often as their schedules and weather will allow, the Marlow’s take a break from the stress of everyday life and all its technology and escape into the natural beauty of the Appalachian countryside to hike, camp, and take countless photographs.
Faith sincerely hopes you will enjoy her first novel, “Being Mrs. Dracula”, which chronicles the lives of Count Dracula’s three beautiful, yet very different wives. She is currently working on its sequel “Being Dracula’s Widow”.

To stalk Faith Marlow, follow the links below:

Website

Goodreads

Giveaway

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos  Faith Marlow is offering 5 e-books for the giveaway (must be able to download from Smashwords). Entry is easy, as always. Just leave an email address, so I can contact you if you win, and answer the question – Would you be able to share your vampire husband with another wife?

Closed. Winners will be announced on confirmation.

Giveaway runs 12/21 – 1/4/2013.

Please tweet it out to share with your friends, family and followers, not required.

It is always appreciated if you follow my blog, also, not required.

To order the book from Amazon US, just click on the cover below.

Can also be ordered through the links below:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UK4FE0#_
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view…
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/being…

Fanged Mania rules:

To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

The prize pack I mentioned includes Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn posters as well as a paperback copy of Erica Steven’s Captured (my review here) and the complete collection of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter stories by Jennifer Malone Wright, in paperback, too! =D

Oh, and the contest is international. And the more Fanged Mania posts you have, the more entries you get! So what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon!

Giveaway/Review of Stitch (Trilogy, #1) by Samantha Durante

.Stitch (Stitch Trilogy, #1)

Alessa has seen him numerous times. When the nightmares started, she found it hard to concentrate on anything else. The ghost was in her nightmares. Does that mean he really exists? He seemed so familiar to her. Did she know him? How was that possible?

http://www.michael-craig-campbell-realty.com/Harwood%27s%20Grist%20Mill%20Farm/Harwood%20Estate1.jpg

Alessa fell apart after her parents died, but managed to get into Eastern State University. She thought it would help her, so she joined a sorority. She chose it because of the house. She thought that was how she had found her best friend, Janie and the ghost. She never saw that there was something else going on.

She did wonder why no one else could see him. She was afraid, frozen by her feelings of longing and sorrow. Should she talk to him? She felt a connection. Janie joked that maybe her and the ghost shared a past. Could that be why she was so attracted and drawn to him? That night in her dream, she saw him. He blamed himself for what happened to her family. How could that be?

There was an odd incident with security and her teacher, but she shrugged it off. She really should have paid more attention. Janie even hinted at it, but she didn’t pick up on it

The sorority was holding a party and it was Alessa’s job to pass out invitations. That was how she met Nikhil. For the first time in a long time, she was excited about meeting a guy and invited him to the party.  Her and Janie were on their third beers when Nikhil and Josh showed up. They stared dancing with the guys and when Nikhil started to kiss her, she looked into his eyes, but they were Isaac’s eyes. She ran to her room.

The next day, the showers were full when Alessa went in, so she told Janie that she was going to take a bath in the attic bathroom. Isaac appeared and sat on the edge of the tub. When he turned to her, she realized he was really looking at the her. She reached for him and he disappeared. Now she was more motivated than ever to find out what was going on. She was shocked at what found. Isaac was so much more than just a ghost.
brain Pictures, Images and Photos
Janie knew more than she was telling. She was afraid for Lessa. When Alessa heard Janie say, “her stitch seems to be holding strong”, Alessa was past being afraid. She was confused and terrified.

http://i-love-cartoons.us/snags/clipart/christmas/looney-toons/Christmas-Taz.jpg    5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Stitch is Samantha Durante’s debut novel. I love it when I am so surprised by the quality of the writing and story from a writer’s first novel. She is currently working on the second book in the Trilogy, Shudder, and is happily considering any suggestions readers have for Book II. What would you like to see? Follow the link to her blog, below, to see what others are looking for in Book II.

I loved the title and cover. The blurb and excerpts I’d seen made me feel like I had to have this book. I tweeted day after day, determined to win the giveaway. I was right. The book surpassed my expectations.

I thought it was gonna be a haunted house story, but it took a great, surprising twist. Made me smile and delve deeper into story to see where it went. It just kept getting better and I kept reading faster as the plot twisted and turned through the pages.

Even though Alessa is the main character, I became enamored with Janie. A true blue “friend” that would risk it all for Alessa as she tries to make her aware of all that is going on.

Wow. Samantha led me down a twisted road. What a great journey. I loved it. I wondered where the idea came from to start with this, then go here, then there. Wow again. I haven’t read a book quite like this and am eagerly anticipating the next one.

I won the book through a blog tour where nomisparanormalpalace.blogspot.com was a participant. Naomi and Samantha noticed that I tweeted so much and offered me a signed paperback, instead of the ebook I had won, which I eagerly accepted. Thank you Naomi and Samantha.

About the Author

Photo of Samantha Durante, author of StitchAs an avid lifelong reader of fiction of all sorts, there’s nothing I find more engrossing than an epic sci-fi/fantasy/romance series. I’ve whiled away countless weekends of my life immersed in richly-woven worlds that someone else was kind enough to put on paper, and I’ve always felt a debt of gratitude to these wonderful authors – J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Suzanne Collins, Christopher Paolini, Sharon Shinn, C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, and most recently Lauren Oliver and Veronica Roth, to name a few.

Stitch – my very first novel, and part one of an upcoming trilogy – is my humble attempt to return the favor. My dream is to bring the same enjoyment and delight to readers that these authors have brought to my life. If you find yourself staying up just a little too late to finish another chapter, or sneaking into the bathroom at work to read when things are slow, I will know I have done my job!

I currently live in New York with the two loves of my life – my husband, Sudeep, and my cat, Gio. In addition to penning novels, I am also a freelance business writer and communications consultant at my company, Medley Media Associates.

Prior to pursuing my passion for writing full time, I spent three years in software engineering at Microsoft, as a Program Manager first on the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) developer platform team and later on the Zune for Xbox LIVE team. I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, where I studied Systems Engineering, Management, Entrepreneurship, and Operations & Information Management at Penn Engineering and Wharton business school.

I love to hear from readers! I do my best to answer each and every email I receive, so please don’t hesitate to send me comments, questions, or even suggestions for what you’d like to see in future books.  You can also find me on Facebook at my author and Stitch fan pages, on Goodreads and Twitter, and on my Amazon Author page.

Giveaway

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and PhotosSamantha is offering 1 e-book for the giveaway (format of the winner’s choice – mobi/Kindle, epub/Nook, or pdf). Entry is easy, as always. Just leave an email address, so I can contact you if you win, and answer the question – If you were to meet a ghost, who would you want it to be and why?

Closed. Winner is Kari. Congratulations Kari and I would like to thank everyone who stopped by and commented.

Giveaway runs 12/18 – 1/2/2013.

Please tweet it out to share with your friends, family and followers, not required.

It is always appreciated if you follow my blog, also, not required.

To order the book, simply click on the cover.

Fanged Mania #4 – Giveaway/Review of Half Black Soul by H. D. Gordon

(To see the rules for Fanged Mania, go to the end of this post)

Half Black Soul: Book II of The Alexa Montgomery Saga by H. D. Gordon

Just a month ago, I’d been a  pretty normal teenager. I was seventeen and I lived in a small town in Missouri. Now I am a killing machine, a warrior or a murderer. Or both. Happy birthday to me.

Half Black Soul (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #2)

Spoiler Alert: This is Book II in the Alexa Montgomery Saga.

I was driving through Pennsylvania, in the rain, when hunger hit me. I just happened to be at an exit, so I took it and went into the diner at the convenience store. After eating, as I walked to my car, I should have paid more attention to my senses. I knew I never should have left my sword in the car. It wouldn’t happen again. I knew he was there and I knew he was going to attack me. It would be the last thing he did. I let the monster deal with the man and felt a euphoria as he lay dying.

As I drove away I thought about how I came to be here.

I knew I was different, but a Sun Warrior? The Last One? My mother had taught me how to fight and told me to protect Nelly. Nelly wasn’t just a Searcher, but so much more. After the attack at the house, Nelly and Jackson, who was a werewolf and my boyfriend, and I ran to Two Rivers in Pine Barrens, NJ.

It was magnificent until you saw underneath it. When I met Soraya, she exposed the truth Libra the Scales Balanceto me and I vowed to change it. But one good thing had come of it. I met Kayden, the only Libra left. Like me, the last of his kind. Would we end up together?

The first thing on my agenda was to find out if my mother was still alive.

After the incident at the convenience store, I stopped at a rest area to regroup. The monster was in total control of me. I was horrified. I jumped out of the car and ran. I ran for the exit and as normal feelings started to come back to me, I felt hope. I ran straight into Kayden. I felt his goodness wash over me. My desperation led me to go one step further, a kiss so deep the monster was driven away. I turned to the car and waited for him to enter.

I was going to Olivia’s’, my mother’s friend who had sent us to Two Rivers, to find out about my mother, and anything else I could. She told me I was meant to lead a revolution. I had to go to Dangeon to find my mother.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/2009-11-04_20-View_north_from_the_top_of_the_Apple_Pie_Hill_fire_tower.jpg/300px-2009-11-04_20-View_north_from_the_top_of_the_Apple_Pie_Hill_fire_tower.jpg

Nelly was bereft when she read the note Alexa left for her.

Nelly’s mind sent out a blanket search, seeming of its own free will. She could sense a feeling of fear from everyone in the village.

She was called before the Queen and asked about Alexa being missing. Nelly fed the her the lie she had been working on, only to be assaulted by the Queen’s attempt to search her. She could block her, but that would alert the Queen to the fact Nelly was a searcher and may put her in danger.

That night Nelly dreamt of Alexa’s death.

http://i-love-cartoons.us/snags/clipart/christmas/looney-toons/Christmas-Taz.jpg    5 –  Would Buy It For Them (lol)

The ending blew me away. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next book to see what happens.

The cover is beautiful and the title is so very appropriate.

The writing needs some editing, but the story is so good and so wonderfully told that it is easy to overlook. The plot is so detailed that it drew me into the story and didn’t let me go. It captured me from the very beginning. Even after I read the last page, the last sentence, the last word, I was craving more.

The characters are as well-developed and detailed as the plot.

It is so easy to fall for Alexa, who has to fight her battle with her monster within. Don’t we all have our own inner battles? I found it easy to empathize with her because it.

Kayden, what can I say about Kayden? Wouldn’t you like to have your very own (smoking hot) Guardian?  He is always there for Alexa. And, of course, Nelly, who is so sweet and innocent.

I can’t decide who Alexa will end up with and I’m not sure who I want her to end up with. My fist thought is always Jackson, he has been with her through thick and thin. He would lay down his life for her. Her own private, and also smoking hot, werewolf.

The Rise, Book III, is on it’s way to me as we speak and I can hardly wait to pick it up and start reading. I love Alexa and I am rooting for her, wanting her to have everything her heart desires. Now I just have to find out if she gets it.

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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.
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To follow H. D. Gordon, use the links below:
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taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos    H.D. has been generous enough to offer up 5 ebooks of the first book in the Alexa Montgomery Saga: Blood Warrior. If you haven’t read any of her books, this is a great starting place. International. Entry is easy, as always, simply leave an email address I can contact you at if you win and answer the question – If you were a Warrior, what would be your weapon of choice?
Closed. Winners are:  Shana – Susan – Martha – Emily – Jennifer
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.
To see my Review of Blood Warrior, go HERE.

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Please tweet this out and share it with your friends family and followers, not required.
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It is always appreciated if you follow my blog, but not required.
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To order any of the books, simply click on the cover below.

To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

The prize pack I mentioned includes Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn posters as well as a paperback copy of Erica Steven’s Captured (my review here) and the complete collection of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter stories by Jennifer Malone Wright, in paperback, too! =D

Oh, and the contest is international. And the more Fanged Mania posts you have, the more entries you get! So what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon!

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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?

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A Joyous Romp at North Pole High by Candace J. Kringle

.North Pole High: A Rebel Without a Claus

Yeah, my Dad’s Santa, but to me, he’s just Dad. I’m sixteen and he acts like any other dad. Everything that comes next, is all his fault. If he wouldn’t have made me go to the Welcoming feast, none of it would have happened. Christmas Pictures, Images and Photos

Once Rudy arrived, Candycane started doing things she had never done before and going places she had never even thought of. It was not surprising that Santa became very displeased with her and Rudy.

Her teacher put her and Rudy together, the school project was making a Christmas tree. She had always been the best tree maker, but her confusion over how she felt about Rudy, made it difficult for her to work with him.

santa & sled, sleigh, reindeer Pictures, Images and Photos

When Candycane took Rudy on a sleigh ride, it turned into a nightmare. Little did she know, but Tinsel, her boyfriend, had a hand in it.

They loved their food – eggnog, gingerbread cookies, bubble gum, baked Alaska, gazpacho, Sno Cones, stuffing and almost any sweet thing their hearts desired.

The North Pole:

Where a tan is not a healthy thing.

Where Elfnip is keebler viagra.

Where tickle fights are a form of punishment.

Where does the best chocolate come from?

http://i-love-cartoons.us/snags/clipart/christmas/looney-toons/Christmas-Taz.jpg    4 Would Highly Recommend To Others

What a great and original idea. A memoir of Santa’s daughter. Had me cracking up all the way through.

I knew when I read the blurb, the book would be hilarious. I can see this as a Christmas special on TV. All the little kiddies would love it.

A coming of age story for the “Princess” of the North Pole. But there is so much more.

The names applied to the characters were funny and the roles of the characters are so creative. The characters are humans, polar bears, seals, walruses, elves, penguins, pandas, puffins, and anything else that you can imagine would live at the North Pole.

Check out what they eat, even for breakfast. Who wouldn’t love having a menu and diet such as theirs, other than having to live in the cold. lol

What a fun read, perfect for the season. A great Christmas gift for the young and old alike. It will definitely brighten your day.

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

About the Author

Candace Jane Kringle

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Candace Jane Kringle is a junior at North Pole High. She likes candy canes, unicorn races, and making snow angels. Her father is the most well-known and beloved toymaker and toy distributor in the world. Her memoir, North Pole High: A Rebel Without a Claus , is her first book. After high school, she plans to enroll at North Pole University and write more books, maybe even some fiction. 🙂

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos  Candace is offering 1 ebook – mobi/Kindle or EPUB –  for the Giveaway. International. Easy entry as always, just answer the question – What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas? – and leave your email address.

Closed. The Winner is – Ann Herrick.

Giveaway will run from 12/13 – 12/22, 2012.

To see all my Giveaways, click HERE.

Please tweet it out and share it with your friends, family and followers, not required.

It is always appreciated if you follow me by email, but not required.

To get your copy, simply click on the cover below.