Early Review – The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner @tianawarner #TheValkyriesShadow #NetGalley.

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The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner is up for preorder and will be released on 7.25.23. I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Teen Publishing for the opportunity to read and review The Valkyrie’s Shadow.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Sigrid and the Valkyrie’s series by Tiana Warner has become an epic saga for me. I loved the first book, The Valkyrie’s Daughter, but got lost in The Valkyrie’s Shadow. The characters came to life on the pages in this coming of age story and, even though it is a long book, 435 Kindle pages, I read and read and read…

Because the series needs to be read in order, I will do my best to include NO spoilers.

We have some familiar characters and creatures. Royal politics are complicated and the lines of loyalty are often blurred. I am glad that Sigrid stayed leery, and even though she is a young woman, she does know the difference between right and wrong. Each individual is as important as any other.

Sigrid wants the best for everyone and slowly builds her self confidence as she is forced to make decisions that will affect the lives of many. She is an lgbtq character and I love that Tiana Warner adds that extra something to make her character stand out. The romance with Mariam was sweet and innocent.

Tora, what a fabulous character. She made me smile. Fisk is another outstanding and unique character that stuck with me.

I loved all the supernatural characters and creatures.

The Valkrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner has so much depth and detail to the world she has vividly created. I traveled miles with the characters, and not all will survive. We walked, we flew, we sailed…We have valkyries, elves, humans, winged mares (so how do they reproduce), and an eight legged horse that once belonged to a god…We have loyalty and betrayal, friends and lovers…

There is 435 pages of deliciousness and I hated to read the final word. I was left with a feeling of happiness and hope. Tiana, you blew my mind with this awesome story! I don’t feel my review conveyed how much I loved this book, but, maybe I shared enough to make you want to read it for yourself. I do want to stress that it is best to read The Valkyrie’s Daughter first.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Being both a valkyrie and a princess isn’t turning out quite the way Sigrid imagined. The other valkyries still treat her like a stable hand. Her relationship with Mariam is less “long-distance” and more “worlds apart.” And lately, she’s been wondering if Sleipnir, her new horse, isn’t making her a little bit…well, evil .

But Sigrid’s first official valkyrie mission sends ripples through the Nine Worlds. She’s attracted the wrath of not only the Night Elves but their sinister king, who wants nothing more than to bring darkness down on everyone. Worse yet, Loki might just be interfering with the balance of light and dark…

When war threatens the shores of Vanaheim and her friends are in danger of being exiled, Sigrid makes a deal with the new queen. She will ride Sleipnir against their enemies and use his might to defeat them, even as he pulls her closer to that line between good and evil.

What she becomes will either save everyone…or unleash disaster upon them all.

The Sigrid and The Valkyries series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading
Book #1 The Valkyrie’s Daughter
Book #2 The Valkyrie’s Shadow

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, LGBTQ, Myths and Legends, Queer, Teen and Young Adult
  • 435 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication July 25, 2023 Entangled: Teen

ABOUT TIANA WARNER

Tiana Warner

Tiana Warner is an LGBTQ+ author from British Columbia, Canada, best known for her critically acclaimed “Mermaids of Eriana Kwai” trilogy and its comic adaptation. Tiana is a lifelong horseback rider, a former programmer with a Computer Science degree, and an outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore nature with her musician boyfriend and their hyperactive rescue mutt, Joey. Find her online at tianawarner.com.

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MY TIANA WARNER REVIEWS

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Giveaway – Saving Piper Moonlight by Joann Keder @XpressoTours

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Saving Piper Moonlight
Joann Keder
(Piney Falls Mysteries, #2)
Publication date: July 13th 2020
Genres: Adult, Thriller

Piper has lived her entire childhood on the run. She’s about to uncover the deadly reason why…

In the second book of the Piney Falls Mysteries series, Piper Moonlight is tired of constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid of the remaining Fallen Branch cult members. She decides the best place to land is in Piney Falls, Oregon, where the cult originated. At least everyone there knows her story and she’ll be safe.

When she arrives, she finds employment under the watchful eye of Cosmo Hill, also a former Fallen Branch member, at his bakery. Cosmo doesn’t trust Piper or her story. He enlists the help of his fiancé , marketing wonder and super sleuth Lanie Anders to uncover the truth of Piper’s past.

Lanie and Cosmo soon discover there are still shocking secrets buried within the layers of the former cult. As those secrets come to light, those who keep them will stop at nothing to stay hidden. The ugly truth of Fallen Branch will force Lanie, Cosmo and Piper to make unthinkable choices to save themselves and the life they know in Piney Falls.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Can I ask–did you ever love me?”

There is laughter from the other room and a chill runs down his spine.

“I assumed we’d already discussed the uselessness of emotions. They get in the way. Imagine if I let that interfere during the last two decades. We wouldn’t be where we are, on schedule for the metamorphosis.”

“YOU wouldn’t be on schedule. The rest of us–well, me–would be fine. You don’t remember those times we were gardening at Fallen Branch, talking about the future? You said then you couldn’t picture anyone else by your side.”

“I couldn’t. That didn’t mean I loved you, though. You were the perfect partner…for a time. As you’ve said: you didn’t have control of your emotions and I could direct you easily. I gave you a list. You accomplished every bullet point.” The Killer stalks closer. “Is there anything you want them to know? I’m giving you this gift that we never gave the others. A thank you for your service. Let’s call it my ‘emotion’ for today.”

“Tell them I’m sorry. I wasn’t strong enough to continue by your side and I wasn’t smart enough to survive on my own.”

“That’s not at all what I thought you would say.”

“What did you expect? A lengthy speech? I’ve always left those to you.”

“I thought you might want them to know you were a brave soldier in our war. Kind of make them proud, at least.”

He throws his hands in the air. “I give up. You’ll make it your own story no matter what. I learned long ago that it’s impossible to please you. They’ll learn that soon enough.”

“I hope not.”

“Tell them…I tried. Just get on with it now. I can’t bear to think about it anymore.”

His killer hands him a cup. “Cheers, my friend. It was a good ride while it lasted.”

His hand brushes his killer’s and without looking up, he lifts it to his lips.


Author Bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master’s degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


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Sherry’s Shelves – 716 – 7.22.23 #weeklyupdate #SundayMemes

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Hi Everyone. It’s been a quiet week, binging on TV, reading and blogging. I hope you had a good week and another coming up.

Stay safe.

LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

COMING UP ON fundinmental

  • Sherry’s Shelves
  • Giveaway – Saving Piper Moonlight by Joanne Keder
  • Early Review – The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner
  • Giveaway = The Hate Date by Lumen Reese
  • Review & Giveaway – Deadly Depths by John F Dobbyn
  • Review – Blood & Fang by Kay Widow
  • Giveaway – Bewitching The Vampire by Brooklyn Ann
  • Tackling The TBR
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Tackling The TBR 7.8 – 7.21.23 #tacklingthetbr

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I got the idea and the motivation to start doing Tackling The TBR from All The Book Blog Names Are Taken. I love showcasing the books on Goodreads, my ereader and my bookshelves.

COME ON….JOIN IN.

Previous Total: 1995

Currently Reading

Books Read

Books Added

Books DNF-ed: 0

Books Deleted: 0

Duplicates Removed: 0

New TBR Total: 1994

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Giveaway – Golden Cord Of Light by Heidi Skarie @XpressoTours

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Golden Cord of Light
Heidi Skarie
(Star Rider, #6)
Publication date: June 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction

When darkness descends can a few courageous heroes save their planet?

Princess Morisa’s world is turned upside down. She planned to be a priestess living at a monastery for the rest of her life. But now she’s being sent to a foreign country and is expected to use her special powers to entice the prince to marry her. How can she seduce him when it goes against everything she’s been taught?

Prince Everette is embroiled in the world of politics and rebellion. With his father leaving for war and his mother ill, he’s the regent ruler and head of the military. As if that isn’t enough, he’s expected to be polite to the feisty Princess Morisa, who is staying at the palace for the summer.

Everette and Morisa’s stormy relationship intensifies as the warring world around them erupts. Can they put aside their differences long enough to keep the most dangerous sorcerer in the galaxy from destroying their planet? Or will the galaxy plunge into darkness?

Golden Cord of Light is the thrilling sixth book in the Star Rider Universe. If you like bigger-than-life heroes and heroines, evil sorcerers, space battles, romance, and mysticism, you’ll love Heidi Skarie’s exciting novel.

Buy Golden Cord of Light for an amazing adventure full of passion and excitement set among the stars.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

A dark shadow moved somewhere above them. Morisa looked up, thinking it was an animal or perhaps a guard who’d followed them. The shape left the cliff top and came flying down toward Baymond. It happened so fast she didn’t have time to react. The being landed on Baymond and they both fell to the ground. Baymond’s head slammed against a rock and he lay still. The other figure, a man, rose and turned to her. In the moonlight, Morisa’s knees weakened as she stared at the huge man before her. His cold eyes held dark power and she instantly knew he was a sorcerer.

She moved past her fears and readied herself for battle.

His fist flew toward her face. She twisted aside and slammed her heel into his gut. He gasped, doubling up, and she kneed him in the chin. Her robe hampered her movements as she dodged away from him.

He came after her and dealt her a forceful kick, sending her sliding across the rocky shoreline. She rolled with the fall, then sprang up and defensively put her fists in front of her face.

The sorcerer sent out a blast of psychic energy that knocked her to her knees. The spell held such power that she couldn’t escape. In agony, she focused on breaking his incantation. Her whole body began to feel hot as she chanted a counter spell. When her power hit his spell, they both flew backward.

Trembling, Morisa rose and pulled her crystal out of her pocket. She held it in front of her, calling upon its energy. Before she could activate it, the sorcerer hit her wrist. The crystal flew out of her hand and onto the sand. He slammed his fist into her temple and she collapsed onto the ground. She rolled onto her stomach, trying to ignore her throbbing headache as she searched for her crystal. He kicked her in the ribs and her side exploded in pain. A cold chill went through her — this was a real fight, not a match. Her life and Baymond’s depended on her skills and training.

Morisa expected to be struck again as she hunted in the dark for her crystal. Instead, she heard movement behind her. Glancing up, she saw Baymond had regained consciousness and fought the sorcerer. She turned her attention back to her search and spotted a gleam of violet light where the moonlight touched her crystal. She crawled forward and grabbed it, then drew on its healing energy to give her strength. Still weak, she looked back toward Baymond and watched the fight in fascination. Baymond moved with a grace, skill, and fluid control she’d rarely seen. He fought on a level beyond mind and body. His strength radiated out from the center of his being as he delivered forceful blows.

The sorcerer’s foot slammed into Baymond’s chest and the youth staggered backward, barely retaining his stance and breathing raggedly. He looked like his body couldn’t withstand much more abuse. Blood flowed from a wound on his forehead and dripped into his eyes. He wiped it aside and blocked another kick, then slammed his fist into the sorcerer’s throat. A killing blow if delivered with enough force, but with Baymond’s declining strength it only knocked the sorcerer to the ground.

As he fell the sorcerer stuck out his leg and hooked it against Baymond’s. The youth fell to the sand, landing hard enough to knock the wind out of him.

The sorcerer was instantly on him and closed his hands around his throat. Baymond struggled frantically to pry open the man’s hands. Morisa concentrated on the power of the crystal. The psychic powers surrounding them had caused it to turn black in her hand. She visualized the crystal clearing as she called on the Lady Mother for help. Soon, she felt vibrating energy and the crystal glowed violet again. She pointed it toward the sorcerer and sent out a beam of light.

The sorcerer cried out in agony as if he’d been stabbed in the back, then he collapsed across Baymond. The crystal’s power sliced back into Morisa’s hand and went through her being like a bolt of electricity. She collapsed.

When she regained consciousness, she saw Baymond’s anxious face above her. “Get up quickly,” he said in a rasping voice. When she pushed her blistered hand against the sand to rise, she winced in pain.

The sorcerer stirred next to them. Baymond grabbed Morisa’s arm and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get out of here!”

The sorcerer also rose, standing between them and the pathway up the cliff. He raised his hands in the air, drawing on dark powers.

“Get to the ocean. Swim back,” Baymond yelled. When she hesitated, he said, “Run! Now.”

Author Bio:

Heidi Skarie’s life as a writer began when she had a dramatic dream about a futuristic world at war. The vivid dream was like watching an action/adventure movie. Excited about the dream, she recorded it upon awakening. That night the dream continued where it left off. After six nights, Heidi had a hundred-page journal recording the series of dreams. This awakened her interest in writing, which continues to be one of her greatest passions today.

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Vampires and Werewolves – Defying My Wolf and Entangled Darkness by Scarlett West @iamscarlettwest

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I love Scarlett West’s writing, having read the Fae Bureau Of Investigation series, so when I received her newsletter saying Denying My Wolf was coming out in September, I had to check it out. The series did not sound familiar to me. I was wrong.

I am sharing two Scarlett West novellas today. I originally downloaded Defying My Wolf from Bookfunnel on 2.18.23 and I lost it…Even worse, I downloaded Entangled Darkness on 5.20.22, the prequel to her Immortal Desires series. I hope to work my way through her entire body of work, so this is a good starting point for both series.

MY REVIEW

Defying My Wolf by Scarlett West sounded familiar to me and I realized I had already read it, but never added it to Goodreads or reviewed it.

Defying My Wolf is everything I expected it to be and I love the introduction to the Stone Mountain Wolf Shifters series. The characters are wonderful, both good and bad. The romance…intense, steamy. I love that Aila was so innocent and, naive. They were sexually charged, ya know the whole werewolf mate thing, but they didn’t hop in the sack immediately. She is the cure to the curse placed on Kaden’s pack by her pack and I love the creative way Scarlett West ‘fixed’ the problem. Defying My Wolf by Scarlett West is a novella filled with action and romance.

Amazon / Goodreads

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

I had some questions about the Immortal Desire series by Scarlett West, so I asked her about it. She has pulled the vampire series to revamp it and I can hardly wait to see what she does with it, considering I loved this prequel from BookFunnel.

Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I acquired Entangled Darkness by Scarlett West through her newsletter and a Bookfunnel link. I don’t see where it is available anywhere…But it is a wonderful introduction to her Immortal Desire series. Laima is a healer in her cover and her sister Dita wants what she can’t have. Because of Dita’s unfulfilled desires, she goes down the rabbit hole. Entangled Darkness is a wonderful introduction to the Immortal Desire series. Even though it is a novella, it is chock full of action, lies and deceit, love and loss, and danger and vengeance. I can hardly wait to see where Scarlett West will take the series.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

ABOUT SCARLETT WEST

Scarlett West

Scarlett West writes steamy, paranormal romance featuring sexy Fae. Deep characters and hot romance are her thing.

An avid reader and writer who will never stop dreaming, Scarlett has traveled to many countries and been on tons of adventures. She draws her stories from these places, life experiences, and her grand imagination.

Besides writing, she’s a hobby herbalist and a dancer. If she’s not by the computer typing these things up, she can be found in a forest, on a mountain, or by the ocean.

Scarlett West would like to thank her three F’s: Fans, Family, and Friends. Thank you forever for your support.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

MY SCARLET WEST REVIEWS

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Review – Hades’ Game by R G Angel #rgangel #midnightreaders

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I want to thank Midnight Readers and R G Angel for the opportunity to read Hade’s Game.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Hades’ Game…I must say, it was the title that gave me pause. I was binging on Lucifer TV reruns as I finished reading Hades’ Game by R G Angel. How appropriate. When I saw the title and read the blurb, I had my fingers crossed. This is my first novel by R G Angel and she did not disappoint me. It was everything I hoped for. As I read along, I saw images of Tom Ellis running through my mind, though R G Angel puts her own spin on the King of the Underworld.

…I’m not doing well when I’m bored….my mind never quieting until I find a new interest…And I just found it, as she walked into my lair, with all her fake confidence and bravado…

Welcome to round one, ya helo. Be ready to play Hades’ Game.

It was a Cinderella story and I couldn’t help but smile. Cora became a mother to her younger brothers, when she was just a young girl herself. She never gave it a second thought. One applies himself, determined to make something of his life. The other, is a drain on her, using and manipulating her to his own end. She used to steal to feed them and keep the social workers away, but when gambling debts bring trouble to her door, The Maiden is tasked with a mission that has trouble written all over it.

Jade is Cora’s best friend and the girl cracks me up:

“Damn girl! That man is not just hot….He is like a twelve out of ten….And that wink…that wink: I think my panties have disintegrated.”

The POVs switch between Ayaan and Cora. I do love seeing each character’s thoughts and feelings as we delve deeper into the story. Cora is upfront and open, while Ayaan has secrets. Secrets that will rise up and bite him.

Much of what I read in Hades’ Game by R G Angel was what I had hoped for and wanted. Nothing earth shattering, but a solid read with great characters, a little bit of danger, plenty of romance and some steamy lovin’.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Hades’ Game by R G Angel.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

She stepped into the game without understanding the rules. His rules…

Cora
I never wanted anything to do with him.
Ayaan Reyne is a criminal—as heartless as Hades himself.
But I needed to steal the red diamond Ayaan keeps in his fortress to pay off my brother’s debts.
Except I got caught.
Now I’m Ayaan’s captive. Completely at his mercy. If he has any.
And that’s not even my biggest problem.
Because the more time I spend with the King of the Underworld, the more I wonder what it’d be like to be his Persephone…

Ayaan
Cora Mitchell thinks I’ll let her go once the diamond is back where it belongs.
She’s wrong.
See, I was used to the dark. Comfortable with it. Then she walked into my life—like innocence and bravado wrapped in sunlight—and ruined everything.
For both of us.
Because whether she admits it or not, she’s mine. And I’ll do anything to keep her at my side. Even if it means fighting dirty.
Hell, especially if it means fighting dirty…

  • Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
  • 322 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication July 13, 2023

ABOUT R G ANGEL

On top of being an International Bestselling Author, I’m a trained lawyer, world traveller, coffee addict and cheese aficionado.

When I’m not busy doing all my lawyerly mayhem or writing Contemporary Romance with heart, heat and a little darkness, alpha heroes and strong heroines and because I’m living in rainy (yet beautiful) Britain, I mostly enjoy indoor activities such as reading, watching TV, playing with my crazy puppies.

I hope my stories will make you dream and will bring you as much joy as they brought me by writing them.

If you want to know any of the latest news join my reader group R.G.’s Angels on facebook or subscribe to my newsletter!

Website / Facebook / Bookbub / Instagram

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Giveaway – Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa @partnersincr1me @mary_keliikoa

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Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa Banner

Hidden Pieces

by Mary Keliikoa

July 17 – August 11, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa

Sheriff Jax Turner is staring down the barrel of his broken past. On the brink of ending it all, he feels like a failure following his daughter’s tragic passing and his subsequent divorce. But when a schoolgirl vanishes and her backpack is found in a sex offender’s backseat, the weary lawman drags himself into action and vows to nail one last sociopath.

Shocked to discover the teen’s aunt had lost her life in an abduction years prior, the devastating outcome that he’s taken personally, Jax believes the killer has returned with a vengeance. But as the desperate cop frantically hunts down a mysterious relative in search of a suspect, the girl’s time keeps ticking away…

Can the jaded sheriff take down the culprit in time to bring the young girl home alive?

Praise for Hidden Pieces:

“A multilayered psychological thriller…that is both poignant and engrossing.”
~ Kirkus Reviews

“Hidden Pieces is an intense novel offering hair-raising twists and turns and differing plots making it difficult for the reader to discern the culprit. Surprises arise to give the story more power and excitement. A page-turner up to the conclusion this is an exhilarating and spine-tingling read.”
~ New York Journal of Books

“Moody, evocative, yet propulsive.”
~ Matt Coyle, Bestselling Author of the Rick Cahill crime series

“Wow! What a novel. It crackles with realism, a page turner that sucks you in and won’t let you go till the last page… Domestic thriller and mystery fans will get their money’s worth.”
~ David Putnam, Bestselling Author of the Bruno Johnson seies

Book Details:

Genre: Police Procedural + Mystery & Psychological Suspense
Published by:Level Best Books
Publication Date: October 2022
Number of Pages: 282
ISBN: 9781685121563 (ISBN10: 168512156X)
Series: Misty Pines Mystery, #1
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

ZERO MINUS FOUR HOURS

CHAPTER 1

Sheriff Jax Turner swerved his patrol car off Highway 101 and took a sharp right onto an unmarked dirt road leading to the beach. Tourists didn’t come to Misty Pines for the summer to swim in the ocean or the lakes. Too much mist; too much murkiness. The few outdoorsmen drawn to the area for fishing off the ragged ocean jetties had long gone for the season.

His Glock 22 rested on the seat next to him, along with a miniature wooden chair. He’d finished carving it during another sleepless night for a dollhouse he’d never complete, for a tea party that would never happen.

Jax followed the smooth road as it transitioned into rock, his upper body swaying and bouncing with the uneven terrain. When it leveled, he floored it, the tires spinning before they found their footing on the sandy flat.

Aimed toward the sea, he parked on a stretch of solid pack a few yards from the surf. The foamy fingers of the ocean reached for his cruiser, coming up short. The weather report called for ninety degrees in the city located eighty miles east, which meant an inversion for everyone on the coastline. His future, or lack of one, floated in the horizon, where gray ocean met gray clouds, both soon to be indiscernible in the impending fog. Damn, he was tired of being tired.

The window down, he sucked in the brackish scent of the seaweed-littered shores. Seagulls swarmed overhead. Their plaintive cries sent a wave of grief through him.

Misty Pines should have been a fresh start, a place to heal the wounds of the past. Instead, the salty air had entrenched itself in the ten years since he’d arrived. The torture would never end on its own. An hour spent unloading his ammunition at the shooting range into a silhouette target hadn’t helped this time.

Except he hadn’t unloaded all of it.

He leaned over the passenger seat to retrieve two sealed envelopes from the glovebox. A dragonfly drawing done with blue-green Crayola and glitter slid out. He fumbled and then caught it before it floated to the floor. His finger trembled as he traced the wings, remembering Lulu’s soft pink cheeks. He laid his daughter’s gift on his lap and propped the envelopes on the dash right before picturing them splattered in his blood. They’d accuse him of many things when they discovered his body. He wouldn’t let heartless be one of them. He placed the items back, securing the latch.

At least when they were found, the people who’d cared about him once would know why. One letter was for his former partner, Detective Jameson. He would understand if no one else did. The other to Abby. Ten years married, and their only child lost to cancer.

Lulu’s brave smile flashed in his mind, making the lump in his throat swell. Abby said she didn’t blame him, but he blamed himself enough for them both. And despite what she said, the light had dimmed in Abby’s eyes the night their little girl passed. Their marriage died that day too. They just hadn’t properly buried it until last year.

He balanced the gun on his lap and held the miniature chair in his hand, letting the gulls’ cries and the roaring surf fill his mind one last time. The rearview mirror reflected his weary eyes and the bags that had taken up residence under them. He ran his broad hand over his graying sandy hair and back around to the stubble on his chin.

Time to get to it.

He lifted the gun, holding the barrel in his mouth. The cold, metallic weight pushed against his bottom teeth. His throat closed, and he forced a swallow. Quit stalling. Eyes squeezed shut, sadness flooded his chest. Regret shoved him. Don’t think. He drew in the cool air through his nostrils one more time. Held it. Waited. Was this what he really wanted?

“Jax,” his radio crackled to life. “Sheriff…please….”

His eyes flew open, and he withdrew the gun from his mouth. Trudy. Had he heard something in her tone? Hard to tell with her voice coming in and out. He wouldn’t miss the shoddy technology in this godforsaken place. No. He was imagining it. He shook his head. Raised the gun.

“Sheriff Turner, we have a Code Ten-Fifty-Four. Urgent. Response needed.”

Lost child or runaway. Could be either. He’d been equally useless in both instances in the past.

“Sherriff Turner. Answer your damn radio.” Trudy’s voice blared that time.

He bristled and lifted the receiver off the hook. “What’re you talking about, Trudy?”

“There you are. It’s Emily Krueger’s kid. She didn’t get on the school bus.”

Allison. The little girl with the gap-toothed smile who used to wave when he walked past the bookstore. Not so little now, right? A teenager?

“Emily check with her friends?”

“No one’s seen her, hon.”

“Have Chapman handle it. I’m a little—”

“Gone this week,” Trudy said. “Alaska fishing trip. Remember?”

Right.

He scrubbed the exhaustion from his eyes. “On my way.”

He dropped the mic into its holder and secured his gun. Hopefully, this wouldn’t take long, and he’d be back in an hour to contemplate finishing the job.

***

Excerpt from Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa. Copyright 2023 by Mary Keliikoa. Reproduced with permission from Mary Keliikoa. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Mary Keliikoa

Mary Keliikoa is the author of Hidden Pieces and the upcoming Deadly Tides in the Misty Pines mystery series, the PI Kelly Pruett mystery series which includes the Shamus, Lefty, Agatha and Anthony nominated Derailed for best debut, and the upcoming Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow out Summer of 2024. Her short stories have appeared in Woman’s World and in the anthology Peace, Love and Crime.

A Pacific NW native, she admits to being that person who gets excited when called for jury duty. When not in Washington, you can find Mary with toes in the sand on a Hawaiian beach. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun, she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.

Catch Up With Mary Keliikoa:
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Instagram – @mary.keliikoa.author
Twitter – @mary_keliikoa
Facebook – @Mary.Keliikoa.Author

 

 

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Zombalicious – The Infected by Perry Prete @PerryPreteBooks #Zombies

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MY REVIEW

First off, I LOVE THE COVER! I have been indulging in my need for an apocalyptic fix and The Infected by Perry Prete was a great addition to my binging. The Infected is an original take on a zombie apocalypse.

John awakens, not even remembering his name, as one of The Infected.

We meet Carrie Jordan when she is alone. She is a badass. She does what is necessary to survive. I thought I knew where this was going, but….

The humans rule the day, the zombies the night. I knew John and Carrie would have to come together at some point, seeing they are the main characters, but I didn’t anticipate how. Perry Prete is not afraid to kill any of his characters off, so, even though I came to like a couple of others and thought they might join up with Carrie, it was not to be.

We do have all the grossness of zombies, attacking and eating most anything they can get their hands on. Even mice, fox, and other animals became zombified. One of the grossest moments to me, was when Perry Prete had a zombie with their lip ripped off, and as the zombie attacked another, they didn’t realize they were eating their own lip. LOL People travel miles alone, sometimes meeting up in small groups for the protection it offered. Big groups did the normal, used and abused others they considered beneath them and disposable. Of course, The Walking Dead came to mind and made visualizing Carrie’s dilemma easy.

I had many notes in my ereader, but because I was surprised by the ending, I didn’t want to share too much. I didn’t see it coming and I want you to enjoy finding out for yourself. The ending deserves a star of it’s own and I LOVED IT! I could see it playing out in my mind. I was sad, angry, may have even cheered when….I love an author who writes with such mastery that the book comes to life right before my eyes. If you are looking for some zombies that are a little bit different, The Infected by Perry Prete is a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Infected by Perry Prete.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREAD BLURB

A virus infects the world, altering human DNA. The Infected live at night, humans during the day. Each group avoids the other, as humans search for an area free of The Infected until an unlikely bond occurs between the two.

  • Genre: Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction, Zombies
  • 234 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published July 4, 2022 by Sands Press

ABOUT PERRY PRETE

Perry Prete

Perry Prete is a Canadian crime writer and paramedic. His first novel, All Good Things, introduced us to Ethan Tennant, a City of Ottawa paramedic who looks at crimes from the medical perspective.

Perry continues to work full-time as a paramedic and uses his thirty plus years of life changing and sometimes dramatic experiences to bring realism to his gripping medical novels. His other works include, The Things That Matter Most and All Good Things.

He is also a business owner, specializing in the pre-hospital care field. His company sells medical equipment across North America, primarily to EMS agencies.

A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Perry, graduated from Fanshawe College in London but now lives and works in Brockville, Ontario.

MY PERRY PRETE REVIEWS

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Giveaway – The Game Changer by Aurora Paige @XpressoTours @xoAuroraPaige

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The Game Changer
Aurora Paige
(Hot Streak Series, #1)
Publication date: June 18th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Celine

Being a sports psychologist for pro baseball is my dream. There’s nothing I love more than working for the Chicago Angels helping players that need someone to get their mind in focus and back on track.

The minute the Angels pick up playboy superstar Alaric King as their first baseman, I knew he’ll be trouble: hot, charming, and irresistible. Getting involved with an athlete is already a bad idea, but getting involved with a player that’s also your therapy patient? Absolutely forbidden.

I work hard to be where I am, and I’m not going to let my dream career shatter to be with a heartbreaker—no matter how tempting he is. Am I strong enough to not let him into my heart?

Alaric

Ever since my rival purposely threw a baseball at my head, my game has been off and I end up being traded to the Chicago Angels. My plan is to show my face at mandated therapy sessions so I can get back on the plate. What I didn’t plan is to be blown away by Dr. Celine Pineda: intelligent, successful, and sexy as hell. She’s only here to help me fix my swing, but what I didn’t intend is for her to fix my heart.

I knew that we couldn’t be together. Being with her could cost both our careers, but I didn’t care. I am going to risk it all, but would she?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

—

EXCERPT:

There was a knock on the door and then Alaric strolled through the doorway. I sat behind my desk, needing some barrier between Alaric and me. He was like a magnet, and I gravitated to him—which was dangerous.

Alaric’s gaze met mine, then he paused for a moment. He shook his head and flashed his perfect, white smile.

“Now who’s hiding?” he said teasingly.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I huffed out.

“Celine, you can lie to yourself, but don’t lie to me. Your fear is as transparent as the blouse you were wearing the first time we met.” His gaze never left mine.

I pretended not to feel my cheeks burning. “Look, people think I’m a goody two-shoes, and they’re right. I never broke the rules—” I tried explaining to him.

“Well, I’m something of a bad boy and I could definitely teach you about breaking the rules.” He winked and a mischievous grin curved on his face. “Come to the dark side, Celine.”

“I can’t.” I needed to stand my ground. It was difficult though when he was only a couple feet away from me. He looked sexy as fuck, even when wearing the most casual of clothing. His voice sounded sensual, and his eyes captured me.

“You can. All it takes is one kiss,” Alaric said confidently. “I know that you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you. You can’t deny the connection we have—I’m positive you felt it to the moment we met.”

Author Bio:

Aurora Paige is a healthcare professional by day and a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Join Aurora’s mailing list to get exclusive updates on releases, events, & freebies!

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—

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!