WINNER of Eternal Island

Posted on May 25, 2013 by fundinmental

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winner of Eternal Island by Ella Medler and K.S. Haigwood is:

Sandy

Congratulations and Happy Reading!

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

To see my Review, go HERE.

If you would like to purchase the book, 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.
If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.

New Release – Love in Darkness by E. M. Tippetts with Giveaway

Posted on May 23, 2013 by fundinmental

I am happy to be a part of this AToMR Tour.

Isn’t that an awesome cover?

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Title: Love in Darkness (Shattered Castles, #2)

Author: E.M. Tippetts

Release date: May 21, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Buy links will be available on release day May 21^st. Please add the buy links to your post when they are available.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Alex had everything when he was with Madison. But the darkness within him wouldn’t go away. After two years apart, he returns to Pelican Bluffs and to the girl he never wanted to leave.

Madison wants to give their love another chance, but Alex can’t fight fate. He is what he is. Ruined. Crazy like his mother. And Madison deserves so much more. When his secrets spill out into their small town, Alex has a choice to make. Hide away in the darkness forever, or let love in.

EXCERPT

I push through the glass doors and step out onto the asphalt of the parking lot, right into Madison. I put my hands up to shield myself and she does an awkward sidestep to avoid collision.

For a moment we just stare at each other and I lower my hands slowly, unsure of what to say.

“Sorry,” is what she says. Those pale eyes of hers stay fixed on my face. Her hair’s still a little damp from the shower and the smell of her herbal shampoo perfumes the air. Those lips of hers are a soft pink and shine from a fresh application of lip gloss, and she scowls a little, like she always does when unhappy.

“No,” I say, “my fault. I didn’t look.”

She bites her lip.

Standing this close, she’s irresistible. I want, so badly, to put my arms around her. What’s worse is that encounters like this will happen, and keep happening as long as we both live in town.

She drops her gaze to the pavement.

Yeah, this isn’t working. “Can we talk?” I ask.

A wordless nod is her only reply and we turn and walk back towards her subdivision.

I touch her arm to make her look up at me, then regret it. Even just a touch sends electricity up my arm. “I’m sorry, okay? For ending things the way I did.”

“You sure there’s no chance for us?”

“I’m sorry.”

“How can you just throw away the last three years? I mean, that’s it? You’re not interested, end of story? I’ve waited two years for you, and it’s like you don’t even care.” At least she’s angry and not sad.

This is torture. My body aches, physically, for the feel of her. I want to taste those lips and run my fingers through her hair and feel the cool dampness of each strand. I want to take her home and see if I remember how to kiss her neck so gently that she tips her head back, eyes closed, surrendering to my touch.

Alex, I think, quit it. Not appropriate. I stop and turn.

She locks her gaze with mine. “I want to be with you. There’s no one else I’ve ever felt this way about.”

It feels natural to step in for a hug, but I stop myself and clench my fists instead. “I’m an unemployed high school dropout with a psychotic disorder. You can do better. In fact, it’d be hard for you to do worse.”

“But-”

“I never wanted to lose you, but there’s nothing I can really do about that. You’re out of my league.”

“We could try to work things out,” she pleads.

“All the trying in the world won’t change my condition.” And with that, I hit the limits of my control. I’m being gazed at by the love of my life and I need to get out of here. Worse, I sense the voices jabbering away on their plane of existence, and I have to remind myself, they don’t have any plane of existence. They don’t exist. Here I go again, though. I wonder how long I have until my next breakdown.

Like I said, I always knew I wasn’t the greatest guy, but walking away from Madison feels like a new low for me. I try to hold onto the thought that I’m doing this for her.

Anger rushes in my ears like a windstorm. Any second I expect to hear her run after me and feel her hand on my wrist or shoulder, but that never comes. I make it to the corner of Main Street and Ridge Road, and when I look, no one is behind me, which makes me even angrier, even though I know that’s not fair.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Mah Tippetts writes romance under the name E.M. Tippetts and science fiction and fantasy under the name Emily Mah. Originally from New Mexico, she now lives in London with her family. Before she was a published author, she was an attorney who specialized in real estate, contracts, and estate planning, especially literary estate planning.

Author social media links:

www.emtippetts.com

http://twitter.com/emtippetts

http://facebook.com/emtippetts

GIVEAWAY

(5) Signed copies of Love in Darkness

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

A Tag team Event – Is this the end of Earth? Precipice by Kevin J. Howard – Review and Giveaway

Posted on May 22, 2013 by fundinmental

“Are you going to give it a rest or do I have to smack you in the balls?”

Had me laughing until……….

Beth and Sebastian were cruising on the largest ship to ever sail. They heard the alarms going off and ran to the balcony, only to watch as the rogue wave washed over them.

Does something have to end for something to begin?

Precipice: The Beginning (Part One)

Add To Goodreads

Travis felt so much guilt over leaving Christine and Logan, his wife and son. He, along with the other members of his team – Morgan Ellis, mechanic, Christina Perez, combat trainer (the only woman at the facility), TJ, equipment specialist, and Sean Jeffries, pilot – were sent to Mars. Travis had made the decision for the team, go to Mars instead of receiving a death sentence. Mars wasn’t a prison, but it might as well have been.

Travis was called in for his monthly evaluation with Dr. Hoffman. He was asked about his coworkers and the facility, the normal questions. Travis told him that he missed his family terribly and Hoffman told him he would be allowed to talk with them.

Photo: Mars

Annie wanted to look her best when she saw Travis today. The only comm link to Mars from Earth was at TransWorld, the company that built the place on Mars. It was a three and a half hour drive from home. On the way, she thought of how life would be, knowing Travis would never be coming home.

Contact with Earth became sporadic, then non-existent, he began to prepare for the worst. Andrews warned his people, the men at the mine were prisoners, no matter what anyone said.

“Men can be like dogs if put in the right situation. Obedient, loyal. But when the chips are down and they feel threatened, you bet your balls they’ll turn on you.”

Annie awoke to the latest news on Earth. The ozone layer was almost gone, high acid levels made the ocean toxic, earthquakes were ripping the ground out from under them and releasing the unthinkable. Would humans be the next animal to become extinct?

I couldn’t take my eyes off this video.

Annie and Logan make it to TransWorld and Annie is able to contact Travis on Mars. As he and his team watch the horrific images on screen, they wonder what would meet them if they manage to return to Earth. Would it be a fate worse than death?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

If you happen to notice I changed the STARS from 4 to 5, it is because I had a personal emergency and had to publish and run. I found I had hit the wrong button, so I corrected my error. Sorry, Kevin, because this book really deserves the 5 STAR rating.

Kevin J. Howard is an excellent writer with a vivid imagination and otherworldly stories to tell. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted this book. Beautiful and intriguing. The title, Precipice, evokes the feeling of impending doom. Knowing Kevin’s mind, I knew there was an intriguing adventure waiting between the “pages”.

His descriptions of the end of the world and life on Mars remind me of H. G. Wells and his visions of the future. Kevin describes Travis wearing front loaders, made me think of a scene in Avatar. You will have to read the book to know what he is talking about, but who is to say what tools will be developed in the future.

Water on Mars was recycled urine. Is that a thing of the future? MMMM Something to look forward to?

I loved all the detail, so starting out kind of slow is fine by me. Once it had me drawn and quartered, I found I couldn’t escape its clutches. The action came from all directions. There was so much going on and new storylines kept popping up.

And what will happen after we destroy the Earth, using up all the available resources? Ozone layers about gone, oceans toxic, the ground shaking – vanishing beneath our feet.

“Humanity! The most lethal virus unleashed upon the universe.”

Kevin tells us about Christine seeing a chimp at the Chicago Zoo when she was 15, but now, chimps, polar bears and elephants were only seen as photos in books.

The Mars Project is run by Trans World Incorporated. It is an off world facility, preparing the way for mining and the colonization of Mars. Is it preparation for when the world becomes uninhabitable?

Does any of this have a familiar ring to it?

Ever wonder if it has happened before? Maybe we came here from somewhere else.

I love strong women protagonists and Annie is one.

“Take your goddamn gun out of my son’s face.”

“I said now, before I rip off your fucking balls and beat you with them.”

Oh man, I was so bummed when I reached the end. I wanted so badly to keep on reading. How long until Book II? I’m thinking it will knock my socks off. So, bring it on!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin 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’s latest novel, Precipice: The Beginning, is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The sequel, Precipice: The Retrieval, should be released in the summer of 2013.

Stalk the Author

Website

Goodreads

Amazon

To see my Review of Faithful Shadow, go HERE.

To pick up a copy of Kevin J. Howard’s books, simply click on the cover below.

RETRIEVAL – BOOK II available now on Amazon!!!

Another gorgeous cover.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Kevin J Howard is offering for the Giveaway – a signed paperback of Precipice, Book I and Faithful Shadow bookmarks. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

If you had a chance to help settle a colony off Earth, on, let’s say, Mars, would you go for it?

ALERT: This is a Tag Team Event. For a second chance to win, go to fuonlyknew and enter Laura’s Giveaway.

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THE WINNER IS:

Laura Thomas

This was a Tag Team Event with fuonlyknew. To see her winner, go HERE.

Congratulations !

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments.

To see my Review of Faithful Shadow, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Freebie – May 22 and 23 Only – Catharsis by Lada Ray

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fundinmental

If you haven’t read any of Lada Ray’s books, check out my review links below. I love her books and don’t want you to miss out on some super reads.

Mark you calendar, as I have even more exciting news!

CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicle 1) will be FREE for 2 days: 5/22-23!

Catharsis (Legend of the Lemurians, Earth Keepers Chronicle 1)

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Download CATHARSIS ebook on: Amazon US UK DE. Available on all international Amazon sites.

NOTE: You can also read CATHARSIS free with #AmazonPrime trial membership! Download today!

Karma can be a beautiful maiden or a bitch… Lemurians…Atlanteans…Hidden origins of humanity…

Before recorded history, before Humanity, since times immemorial, the Earth Keepers have been watching over our planet. Marked at birth and endowed with supreme powers, the nine chosen ones are the Earth’s record keepers and moderators, and when the time comes, ultimate decision makers. This is the first of their chronicles.

Legend of the Lemurians

The population of the red planet Catharsis, on the outskirts of the Andromeda Galaxy, is exceedingly beautiful. But Catharsians harbor a terrible secret: they have to share the planet with another race, which they call the Uglies, although the Uglies themselves prefer to be called Lemurians. Alas, no one on Catharsis cares what the Uglies prefer. Being ugly is considered a contagious disease, and the Uglies are herded into a reservation called Camp Ugly, where they live out their drudgery behind an electric fence. But the Uglies don’t seem to fret as they raise their young, guard the planet’s Crystalline Engine, and sing their heart-stopping songs to the Goddess of All, Mother Mu. And so, both races co-exist without much interaction, until the ultimate disaster strikes.

Morf is a seventeen-year-old Ugly who finds himself in the middle of it all. He is thrust fatefully into the leadership position when no one else can fill its shoes. Will the catastrophe bring to light everyone’s true beauty and true ugliness? Will planet Catharsis survive? What destiny lies in store for the Uglies? We are about to find out…

This metaphysical YA fantasy/scifi novelette is prequel and companion to THE EARTH SHIFTER, and first in the new Earth Keepers series.

This top-rated read, containing powerful and timely messages, is great for readers age 12 through adult.

Genre: YA crossover, visionary/metaphysical, fantasy, dystopian sci-fi, alternative history

Lemurian Crystal & Atlantis (Earth Keepers 2 & 3) ebooks are coming soon! Also, this enchanting 3 part mini-saga will soon come out as one novel, entitled: EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (ebook & paperback). Stay tuned!

Download CATHARSIS on: Amazon US UK DE. Available on all international Amazon sites.

You can grab any of her books by clicking on the cover below:

To see my 5 STAR Review of Stepford, USA, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Green Desert, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Earth Shifter, go HERE.

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s Tour Sales and Giveaway, go HERE.

To see The Earth Shifter “Virtual Tour” Interview, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s extension of the above interview, go HERE.

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Big Bang TOUR with Giveaway for Renhala by Amy Joy Lutchen

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fundinmental

Be sure and check out the Giveaway at the end of the post.

Alos, Amy Joy Lutchen has a new website. Stop by and say hi at: www.amyjoylutchen.com

RENHALA BY  AMY JOY LUTCHEN

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 9780988281509

ebook, 406 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Kailey Rooke, timid accountant, dedicated to philanthropic work, finds herself spiraling into a deep depression after she suffers a horrifyingly odd and humiliating assault, to only discover more of these freakish assaults occurring across the globe.

A chance discovery leads Kailey to a meeting with elderly Gunthreon, actual master of persuasion. Gunthreon, who seems to know too much of Kailey’s history for her liking, opens Kailey’s eyes to a coexisting realm she never knew existed: Renhala, while entrusting her with the knowledge of her newfound power as karmelean, serving as a beacon to the Higher Ones. Kailey slowly starts revealing new talents, and Gunthreon is fascinated with what she starts achieving.

She soon discovers that Renhala is in danger, and this danger has been leaking into her own realm. As she uncovers secrets within herself, and attempts to toughen up, she fuses with an unlikely band of fellow travelers (including a dragon, woodsprite, six-hundred-pound greble, her faithful female canine companion, and a “giver”), falls into an unexpected love triangle, deals with her sexy and flirtatious best friend’s “issues,” and finds the courage to master a new deadly weapon.

On her mission to save Renhala, Kailey will find herself running from life-threatening disasters, such as greble Tartarin, who likes to remind Kailey that when he catches her, he plans on eating her brains with ice cream; she’ll run from the deadly meeples: small cute bunnies with talons and an undeniable thirst for imposing self-destruction on others. Kailey will also run into the possibility that a centuries-old Renhalan rumor is true, that advanced technology existing in Kailey’s realm shortens all life spans.

As blood is shed and puzzles near completion, Kailey pulls from deep within herself, conjuring up mystical qualities that enable her to astonish as once predicted at her birth, but despite the newfound strength, Kailey will discover that monsters not only come in ugly packages, but can be easily disguised as those she has come to love and trust.

Buy Renhala here on AMAZON

Renhala+Blitz

MY REVIEW OF RENHALA

Kailey had been hiding out at her mothers house for the past two month. The attacker was so vicious he had to be more than a human being, had to be some kind of evil creature. But how is that possible?

The media horde finally left and she was ready to go home – freedom.

Her mother had given her father’s ring to her. She carried it everywhere. Her father had abandoned them, but the ring gave her comfort.

Kailey found an apartment and she had Kioto, her Akita, to protect her. Her uncle and cousin made sure she had plenty of other protection. She was so glad her mother was there for her first night and wanted to sleep over. She was relieved not to be alone. She felt warm and loved, as her mother wrapped her arms around her.

Her mother was 55 but had the body of a 75 year old. She was plagued with kidney disease, back problems and an aneurysm. It was a miracle she was still alive and Kailey wondered how she would make it without her, as the though that bad things do happen to good people ran through her mind.

She felt ready to return to work, until she stepped outside. It all came back to her. Blood. So much blood. She watches as he waves the broken bottle in front of her, after slicing her throat. Why she was not dead, she didn’t know.

Her best friend Amber tried to be there for her, but Kailey wouldn’t let her in.

Amber had finally convinced Kailey to have dinner with her. They were going to Regina’s Palate, but the cabbie took them to the Dragon Palace instead and kicked them out.

She meets Gunthreon there and he tells her:

“….there are big things in the works and I have to explain so you understand your involvement.”

He gets a promise from her to return another time for dinner.

Russell reminded her of her dinner date with his grandfather. Was there more to Russell and Gunthreon than meets the eye?

At dinner with Gunthreon, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Gunthreon proceeds to tell her:

“You are a Karmelean – an energy manipulator. “

He told her, when she was attacked, her cry for help was heard in other realms. In return for help, she was given powers and a quest. He then begins to tell her of Renhala.

“This is the story that’s been passed down to me through thousands of years.”

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

I really like the cover andI love paranormal books. They take me to places I can never dream up myself. I love reading about powers and other worlds. It always amazes me how authors dream up the places and stories that are so far from the norm. And where do they come up with the names? Creatures, people, lands?

First off, I want to say, I liked the story and the characters.

My problem was, the story didn’t flow smoothly for me. I can’t quite put my finger on why.

I fell in love with Jenna, who is a woodsprite. She had me laughing and giggling as she traveled through the story in Kailey’s purse. I also fell in love with Bu, who is a greble. A big monster with a big heart.

I liked when Amy Joy Lutchen, the author, talks about country music playing on the radio – his heart ran out on him, best friend’s semi truck ran over it, maybe his dog buried it. It made me think how I always make fun of country. There is always a good song, no matter what genre, but so many country songs sound the same to me. Whiny, my wife left me, my truck broke down, my dog died….You get the drift. lol

Amy Joy Lutchen has created worlds and characters that will stretch your imagination. So, come on in and spend some time in Renhala.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Chicago, Illinois, a few days prior to watching her first movie, at a drive-in theater. Yes, drive-in theater. And yes, her mother believed she was possessed by the devil after said first movie.

Grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where she simply became a number, but decided it was a good number.

Loves cooking (mostly candy-cooking), gardening (putting holes in the ground for perennials, DONE!), designing and constructing jewelry (everything from silversmithing to lampworking), and living with her wonderful husband, two children, black Labrador, and frog—and maybe even the chipmunk family that likes to destroy her aforementioned perennials.

Also hopes that you enjoy her writings, and won’t criticize her for her aversion of eating things in multiples of three.

CONTACT LINKS:

Website: http://www.renhala.com
You Tube Trailer:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karmiccandy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyJoyLutchen
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16050736-renhala

Buy Links:

TOUR SCHEDULE

May 17
Bad Barb Reviews
http://badbarbsreviews.blogspot.com
Tour stop :Guest Post

May 18
Books, Books, and More Books
http://dream-reader-dreamer2229.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

May 20
Faerotic Prose
http://faeroticprose.blogspot.com
Tour stop : Promo

May 21
fundinmental
http://www.fundinmental.com
Tour stop : review

May 22
The Book Tart
http://thebooktart.com
Tour stop : guest post

May 23
Lola’s Reviews
http://lolabookreviews.blogspot.com
Tour stop : guest post

May 27
My Devotional Thoughts
http://mydevotionalthoughts.com
Tour stop : promo

May 28
Guest post
Underworld Love Addiction
http://underworldloveaddiction.blogspot.com

May 29
Books & Other Spells
http://nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com
Tour stop : promo

May 30
Review
Crazy Four Books
http://www.crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com

June 1st.
guest post or interview, and promotion.
★ The Pen & Muse★
http://thepenmuse.net

June 3
Promo Stop and excerpt
Paranormal Book Club
http://paranormal-bookclub.com

June 4
Bookaroo-Ju Blog
http://bookarooju.wordpress.com
Tour stop : Review with promo

June 5
My Cozie Corner
http://coziecorner.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

June 7
Vampires, Werewolves, and Reporters…oh my!
http://rosalindhartmann.com
Review

June 9
A Daydreamer’s Thoughts
http://daydreamersthoughts.co.uk
Tour stop : Review

June 10
Simply Infatuated
http://www.simplyinfatuated.com
Tour stop : interview

June 11
Darket Addictions Book Reviews
http://darkestaddictions.blogspot.com
Tour stop : promo

June 12th
Guest post with promo
You Gotta Read Reviews
www.yougottaread.com

June 13
Bookworm Babblings
http://inspirationsbysimone.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

June 14
Nette’s Bookshelf Reviews
http://nettesbookshelf.blogspot.com
Tour stop : review

June 15
Indiewritersreview
http://indiewritersreview.wordpress.com/
Tour stop : promo

GIVEAWAY

Swag Package and Amazon Gift Card

The Giveaway will run from May 18 – June 20, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Cover Reveal – Smash Into You by Shelly Crane

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fundinmental

Title: Smash Into You

Author: Shelly Crane

Expected release date: Summer 2013

Genre: Contemporary

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designed by: Okay Creations

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Jude has spent the whole twenty three years of his life running. From what, he wasn’t quite sure. His mother tried to keep him safe; a low profile, a constant move on the horizon, a week’s pay always stashed away. She tried to instill in him that he was special somehow, though would never elaborate. He never felt different. He was so completely normal and vanilla that he wondered if it had all been in her head. But then she was murdered and all he saw was a running silhouette of a man as his mother said three final words to him. Three words that changed his whole being.

Never stop running…

Now he’s semi-settled into a big town. The college is huge and easy to blend into. It’s been three months since he had to move because ‘Biloxi’, as he calls the man who killed his mother, found him once more.

Then Marley, an eighteen year old girl who is as infuriating as she is blissfully ignorant of her gorgeousness, smashes into his car with hers. Then smashes into his life as he realizes that whatever it is he has that Biloxi wants, she has it, too. And now, they’re after them both.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in everywhere USA as they happily travel all over with her husband’s job. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, site see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn’t go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

Shelly Crane | Facebook | Twitter

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Another Lada Ray Hit – Stepford USA Review

Posted on May 20, 2013 by fundinmental

Of course, the name alone made me think of the Stepford Wives. Would it be predictable? Yes and no.

Stepford USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure)

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Jade was married and pregnant, so she gave up her world-traveling journalistic career and moved to a small town in Massachusetts.

She had a hard time adjusting to such a laid back atmosphere, until her visions started. She had never been psychic or had visions before, but Rebecca refused to be ignored.

To help pass the time and find out the secrets that were being covered up, she joined the knitting club. If her thinking was correct, these women would know everything that went on in town and she could learn about Rebecca from Gossip Central.

Adelaide, one of the ladies from the knitting club, missed another meeting. Jade used the excuse of her pride in her finished baby hat to visit her. That was when she met Lily, her cat. There was something special about her, she seemed human.

While she was there, Jason came in. He had been in prison, convicted of the rape and murder of Rebecca. He sat and had tea with Jade and Adelaide. On Jade’s walk home, it went through her my mind that it couldn’t have been him who tortured and killed Rebecca. She felt he was a victim.

The visions would only show part of what really happened. She kept trying to see more.

She was determined to prove Jason’s innocence, but someone was just as determined to stop her. The question was – how far would they go?

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

I love Lada Ray’s books and her writing keeps me in suspense, waiting for the next surprise, twist, turn, or delightfully evil surprise. Okay, I may be a little sick, but I love reading about the evil that men do. The minute I think I know what is going on and where the story is taking me, she pulls something else out of her magical bag of mystery.

The books I have read of Lada’s have been pretty heavy and this seemed to be a departure from them. But, wait, she always has a surprise or two that you don’t see coming and she didn’t fail me now. I knew who the real murderers were early on, but she kept me guessing, as I tried to figure out how she was going to prove it. She puts in all the details to make you see how depraved people can be and the torture Rebecca suffered.

The cover is gorgeous and the title is so appropriate. Yes, the title does give away the background of the book, but the story goes so much further. A small town, with all the things that entails. Gossips. Good old boys club made up of the rich and connected. And a murder, but the victim, Rebecca, refuses to be silenced by death, reaching out to Jade for justice.

I loved her descriptions of the characters. They are so real, they can be your neighbor, your friend, or maybe even you.

Jason – an Adonis, spoiled

Marc – ambitious and full of himself, a sleazebag and politician. An oxymoron?

Peter – roving eyes and naughty fingers, a womanizer, married for money

Jack – a nerd, bad with women, a loner

Nick – chief of police.

The paranormal events are so believable. I have actually heard of some things that happen in the book, happening in real life. I have heard that people really have visions. Someone I know swears she has a psychic friend. The friend really does help the police occasionally solve cases. Doesn’t it have to be true then? Is it really paranormal or is it something else?

Of course, there are always the pet lovers who say their critters talk to them and they understand every word of it. ^_^

The emotions I felt as she uncovered the sordid details ranged from disgust to anger, sorrow to happiness, and a feeling of relief when it was over. Even though it wasn’t happy ever after for everyone, I felt very satisfied.

I won this book on Lada Ray’s blog, along with Gold Train and Green Desert, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series. Once I read her book Earth Shifter, I was eager to read more.

I look forward to reading many more books from Lada Ray.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Living her life in the fast lane, Lada Ray, M.A., always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is). Born in Russia, she is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher.

Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to twenty six countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.

In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup. But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She studied Feng Shui in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and received her Feng Shui Master’s certification from the famed Asian author, Lilian Too (graduated first in class). For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.

A few years ago, Lada finally got her ultimate wish, and now she imagines her stories full-time in the bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, NY, where she lives with her family and calico cat.

Lada Ray is the author of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series, including the Amazon & Kindle bestseller, GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), mystery/thriller STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure), and GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Iraq Prequel). She is the creator of the new, top-rated metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER, and the EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, Atlantis).

Visit Lada’s innovative & cool author website: LadaRay.com
For posts about Russia & world, feng shui, spirituality, predictions read her popular blog: LadaRay.wordpress.com
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Youtube: Lada Ray Channel

To Purchase Lada Ray’s books on Amazon, simply click on the covers below.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Green Desert, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Earth Shifter, go HERE.

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s Tour Sales and Giveaway, go HERE.

To see The Earth Shifter “Virtual Tour” Interview, go HERE.

To see Lada Ray’s extension of the above interview, go HERE.

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Cover Reveal for Reclaim My Heart by Donna Fasano

Posted on May 19, 2013 by fundinmental

This Reveal includes an Excerpt, Author Q & A and a Giveaway. Feel free to browse and learn more about Donna Fasano.

Title: Reclaim My Heart

Author: Donna Fasano

Format: Paperback and eBook

Publisher: Hard Knocks Books

ISBN: 978-1939000200

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase Now: Kindle § Nook § Kobo § iTunes

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined.

Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn’t rip them apart.

EXCERPT

From Chapter Two

“Please, Lucas.”

He couldn’t dismiss the tone of those two small words, nor could he ignore the magnitude of emotion clouding her expression. He had no choice but to relent.

“Sit down,” he murmured. He closed the door of his office and then returned to perch himself on the corner of his desk. He steeled himself before asking, “What’s on your mind?”

She seemed to shrink a little as a thousand thoughts ran though her head. Seconds passed, and still she didn’t speak.

Lucas witnessed the phenomenon almost on a daily basis. The people who wound up in his office often felt as if they were carrying the world on their shoulders. He knew her anxiety would eventually discharge, and from the looks of it, he wouldn’t have to wait long.

Finally, she pressed her hand to her chest. “I can’t breathe.”

“Relax. Do you want some water?”

She shook her head, a lock of her long, platinum hair falling over her forearm. “No. I need to get this out. I promised you I’d hurry.”

He couldn’t keep his brows from arching a fraction. She hadn’t kept her promises in the past. Why would he expect her to now?

Tyne ran her tongue along her full bottom lip, hesitated another moment, then blurted, “I need a lawyer.”

Lucas closed his eyes and stifled a sigh. He could have guessed as much, of course. He’d worked hard to get himself into the privileged position of being able to pick and choose his clients. The last person he wanted to represent was Tyne Whitlock.

“A good lawyer, Lucas.”

Common sense told him Tyne wasn’t attempting to flatter him. She was speaking purely out of desperation.

“Look, Tyne—” Something made him stop. He sighed, and then he stood, taking his time rounding his desk and sitting down. The leather-upholstered arms of the chair were cool and smooth under his fingertips.

“I know some of the best attorneys in the city.” He plucked a pen from the cup on his desktop. “And many of them owe me a favor or two.” He reached into his inside jacket pocket, pulled out one of the business cards he always kept handy, and turned it over, poised to write. “Let me give you some names and numbers—”

“I don’t want just any attorney.” Her chin lifted. “I want you. Why else would I have come here?”

His gaze lowered to the small white card in his hand. With much deliberation, he set down the pen and the card, and then he looked her directly in the eyes.

Every muscle in her body appeared board-stiff.

“Listen to me—” he kept his tone calm “—when people find themselves in trouble with the law, or victimized, or wrongfully sued, or unjustly accused, they tend to get lost in a strange, I don’t know, franticness. A recklessness that they almost always regret. Believe me when I tell you that no situation is hopeless, and circumstances are rarely as desperate as they might be perceived. Whatever trouble you’re in, don’t let panic and fear haze your thinking.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I think I do,” he rushed to assure her. “I see it every day. Honest, hardworking people finding themselves in dire straits. And this unfamiliar territory throws them. They grasp at help from the first source that comes to mind.”

“But—”

“Just like that old adage warning that only a fool acts as his own lawyer, it’s also foolish to choose an attorney in haste. You and I have a past, Tyne, and even though all of that took place years and years ago, the fact remains that we have a history. I don’t believe I would be the best person to represent you in a court of law. You need someone who’ll be totally unbiased. Let me give you some names. I’ll make some calls for you myself—”

“Stop!” She lifted her hands and scooted to the edge of the seat. “You don’t understand. And I can’t make you understand if you won’t shut up for a minute.”

His eyebrows arched and the frustration in her statement had him leaning back a bit.

She frowned. “I’m sorry. Really, I am. I had to stew all day yesterday.” She fisted her hands in her lap. “I didn’t expect to reach anyone on a Sunday, but do you know that your firm doesn’t offer an emergency number on the answering machine?” She exhaled with force. “I’m a nervous wreck just being here. Seeing you. But all that aside, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Please accept my apology.”

He didn’t react, didn’t move. He just waited for her to continue.

“The thing is… what you need to know…”

Once again, she grew terribly cautious, and Lucas found that extremely curious. What the hell was it she found so hard to tell him? What kind of trouble was she in?

She blanched, but then her spine straightened. “I’m not the one who needs a lawyer. I want to hire you, yes. But I’m not the one needing representation. It’s my son who’s in trouble.” A nerve at the corner of her eye ticked, but her gaze never veered from his as she added, “Our son, Lucas.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Fasano is a three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.

AUTHOR Q & A

What attracted you to writing in the first place?

I came to writing from my love of reading. While growing up, I lost myself in books in order to escape an unhappy childhood.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Romance. I wrote for Harlequin for 20 years, writing sweet romance (as Donna Clayton) and women’s fiction/contemporary romance (under my own name). I have self-published some of my back-list Harlequin books. The Merry-Go-Round was never published by a traditional publisher, so I guess that would be my first indie-published book. Reclaim My Heart is the second of my front-list indie-published titles.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?

I think authors who face a lot of pain and anguish seem to write stories with great depth, with honesty and compassion. It could be that dealing with trauma brings out the best (or worst) in people. I believe that losing my mother at such a young age had a huge impact on me not just as a writer but as a human being. I became, I don’t know, more maternal towards my family, my friends, heck, towards everyone I meet… more giving of myself. I’m not sure. But I know that the loss could have made me bitter and angry. I’m just so grateful that the exact opposite seems to describe me.

Where do you get your inspiration and ideas from?

My mind is always on the alert. I take ideas from everything I see, hear, read, experience. I have been known to take a snippet of conversation overheard in an elevator and turn it into a book (Return of the Runaway Bride), or from a location (His Wife for a While), or from a person I met (Taking Love in Stride). So be careful! If you interact with me, you might end up in one of my novels.

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

I have visited so many beautiful places. The South of France, the rolling mountains of Italy, the Mediterranean Sea, the cobbled streets of Brussels, the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, beautiful Morro Bay, California, and I spend lots of time in Ocean City, Maryland. I obviously can’t pick a favorite. Besides, there are so many places waiting to be seen!

What was your favorite part of this book to write? Which part was the hardest?

I really enjoyed writing the love scenes. In my sweet romances, all the ‘spice’ takes place behind closed doors. So this was very fun. And which part was hardest? The “kitchen love scene” (naughty pun intended!).

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?

I wanted to be a teacher. My aunt attended college and earned her teaching degree. I always idolized her.

If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

Teacher. I love kids, and I often include them in my stories. I always say that children are very honest and outspoken. Kids inject a great deal of fun into a book.

If you could live inside the world of a book, which book would you choose?

Pride and Prejudice. Love that Mr. Darcy!

Give your fans three fun facts that they may not already know about you.

I love to cook! (I often post recipes on my blog.)

My reading tastes are crazy-eclectic. I read anything and everything.

I’m a little on the chubby side.

Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

Depends. If we’re talking ice cream, then vanilla… and I love mine topped with sliced banana and warm caramel sauce. If we’re talking cake, then chocolate, and don’t forget the fudge frosting. If we’re talking milkshakes, then strawberry. Wow, now I’m hungry.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

I put my heart and soul into this Reclaim My Heart, and I think it shows… in the characters and in the story.

So what’s next for you as an author? Any last words?

I’m thinking of writing a book that revolves around three friends in different stages of marriage, but I’m not sure yet. I’ve worked very hard on Reclaim My Heart and I’m going to take a few days off. Then I’ll get back to work!

I want to thank you for hosting me, and I want to thank your followers for taking the time to read about Reclaim My Heart.

What others are saying about Donna’s books:

“…complex, funny, and realistic…” ~Wilmington News Journal

“Excellent!” ~Bookreview.com

“Could not help myself from reading excerpts to my husband and friends. This book is well written, the characters are real, everyday folks. It is very easy to identify with them. Donna Fasano is a talented author.” ~Elizabeth M. Caldwell on Amazon

“…a fast paced riotous look at family life today. Donna Fasano is right on target!” ~Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com

Follow Donna Fasano at the links below:

Website § Facebook § @DonnaFaz § GoodReads

§ Pinterest

Follow the tour and enter the giveaway at the links below.

TOUR STOPS

GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize winner has their choice of 3 titles from Donna’s Backlist in format of choice (eBook, Paperback or Audio-Book)

Second place winner has their choice of 3 titles in eBook format from her backlist and

Third place winner has a choice of 1 eBook title from backlist .

Ends June 8, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer – Review and Trailer

Posted on May 18, 2013 by fundinmental

WOW! This is a MUST READ Sci-fi thriller. The Host is amazing. Riveting and engrossing, making my heart beat fast as I race through the pages, not wanting to put it down until I had turned the last page. Needless to say, this is a long book, so I didn’t make it. But, I picked it up first thing in the morning and began reading while waiting for my cup of coffee.

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The Host (The Host, #1)

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The Wanderer relived Melanie’s memory of her flight to escape the Seekers. She screamed as the memory overwhelmed her. This was her body now, so what were these thoughts running through her mind? Was Melanie still in here? She had heard of it happening before, but not to her. How could that be?

This was not her first “host”. Everyone was sure this would pass and the Wanderer would take over.

Melanie was part of the resistance and the Seekers wanted what she knew. As they questioned the Wanderer, Melanie did her best to keep them from finding their way to Jared. But the wanderer knew his name.

Melanie’s life kept coming at her, even as she fought the Wanderer to keep her secrets. But, Melanie didn’t fade with time, she became stronger. The Wanderer would wake, crying, wondering how humans dealt with the emotions that seemed to paralyze her.

They looked and acted exactly like us, so it wasn’t hard for them to take over. There were so few adult humans left, would human beings become extinct?

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

A book being named a #1 National bestseller will always makes me want to read it. Then add that it was made into a movie and I see the promos on TV. I have not seen the movie, but I have been told that they followed the book.

I love the cover and the blurb was interesting. I won The Host as a paperback a while back. YAY, I have it. Perfect time to read it. I cannot remember how I won the book, but thank you very much.

I did not find one single flaw with this book. The writing was excellent and the story – well, it was off the charts.

The Hosts did not understand human emotion. I loved all the discussions about emotions – crying, dreaming ………. while humans try and explain to the Wanderer what they are. And love? Does anyone understand love?

For some reason, Stephanie Meyer’s books seem to create intense and sometimes down right ugly feelings and emotions. It seems like every time I mention (she whispers) Twilight, someone discounts whatever I am talking about just because I mentioned (she whispers again) Twilight. You either love them or hate them. That too will make me want to read the things she writes. I have to find out for myself if I like them or not.

I love fiction books. I read to escape and go places I could never go in real life. I want to feel as if I am on the adventure with the characters. I like to let my mind stretch as far as it can go. Please, take me somewhere I haven’t been before. I dare you.

So, pick up the book and find out for yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephenie Meyer I was born in Connecticut in 1973, during a brief blip in my family’s otherwise western U.S. existence. We were settled in Phoenix by the time I was four, and I think of myself as a native. The unusual spelling of my name was a gift from my father, Stephen (+ ie = me). Though I have had my name spelled wrong on pretty much everything my entire life long, I must admit that it makes it easier to google myself now.

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I filled the “Jan Brady” spot in my family-the second of three girls. Unlike the Brady’s, none of my three brothers are steps, and all of them are younger than all the girls. I went to high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, the kind of place where every fall a few girls would come back to school with new noses and there were Porsches in the student lot (for the record, I have my original nose, and never had a car until after I was in my twenties). I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship, and I used it to pay my way to Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. I majored in English, but concentrated on literature rather than creative writing, mostly because I didn’t consider reading books “work” (as long as I was going to be doing something anyway, I might as well get course credit for it, right?).

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I met my husband, Pancho (his real name is Christiaan), when I was four, but we were never anywhere close to being childhood sweethearts. In fact, though we saw each other at least weekly through church activities, I can’t recall a single instance when we so much as greeted each other with a friendly wave, let alone exchanged actual words. This may have been for the best, because when we did eventually get around to exchanging words, sixteen years after our first meeting, it only took nine months from the first “hello” to the wedding. Of course, we were able to skip over a lot of the getting to know you parts (many of our conversations would go something like this: “This one time, when I was ten, I broke my hand at a party when-” “Yeah, I know what happened. I was there, remember?”) We’ve been married for ten and a half years now, and have three beautiful, brilliant, wonderful boys who often remind me chimpanzees on crack. I can’t write without music, and my biggest muse is, ironically enough, the band Muse. My other favorite sources of inspiration are Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Coldplay, The All American Rejects, Travis, The Strokes, Brand New, U2, Kasabian, Jimmy Eat World, and Weezer, to mention a few.

Website

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To Host your copies of Stephenie Meyer’s books, simply click on the covers below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

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Freakin Fridays #2 – Whatever Possessed You by Evans Light

Posted on May 17, 2013 by fundinmental

Freakin Fridays!

Freakin Fridays is a meme brought to you by fuonlyknew. We will be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.

Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts!

Tune in every Friday. Get your scare on!

Let’s have some fun!

Whatever Possessed You will take you on a journey into one writers mind as his dreams take him deeper into madness.

How cool is that cover? And the font? Adds a little something, doesn’t it?

Whatever Possessed You?

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Gerard Faust was a writer. The writing gods had looked down on him and he got a super, fantastic publishing deal.

Now, a writer’s curse. Yep. You guessed it. Writer’s block.

The deadline was looming. Two weeks.

Maybe a trip to the bookstore would help. It did tend to inspire him. As he approached the store, an unkempt and ravaged looking man confronted him. Was he about to get mugged, or worse? Instead, the man pulled out a piece of paper insisting he read it out loud.

“Words and music are inseparable.”

We were face to face. His breath was my breath. Gerard felt it going deeper and deeper.

His dreams were telling him he would write the best book every written. His urge to write overwhelmed him, taking over every aspect of his life.

“I will finish my book and it will change the world.”

In his wildest dreams, or should I say nightmares, he never could have forseen what would happen.

4 STARS – Wouldly Recommend To Others

I love the cover. A bit creepy. Look deeply into the eyes. Can you see it? Do you feel it?

I’m sitting here. Thinking. How am I going to describe the book to you? I always try to figure out what will happen before it happens. I thought I knew where it was going. It seems that was Evans’ plan all along. I took the right fork and he took the wrong, I mean left.

I would think – OK, I get it. Oops, thought it was going here, but whoa, it went way over there.

His twists and turns are like S curves, highly dangerous. Be careful, be very careful, when you open the pages of this book.

Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

If it seems to good to be true, it is.

Cliches, but so appropriate.

Evans writing is easy to read and flows smoothly. The book is a quick read, but the topic is heavy. Sometimes the worst demon, is the one within.

I love it when I don’t know the ending until I get there. And this ending is unforeseen by me. Thanks Evans. I am not that surprised very often.

I picked this book up on a free Amazon day. Thank you Evans Light. I will keep my eyes on you. LOL

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evans Light has lived here and there across the United States, from the mountains to the beaches to the desert, and currently chooses to reside in a warm southern state where the living is easy. He is the proud father of fine sons and the lucky husband of a beautiful wife.

Evans Light has been in love with the written word from an early age, and works in a wide variety of genres, including horror, thrillers, sci-fi and humor – but stories of the “Weird Tales” variety still remain his favorite. Evans is currently hard at work completing his first full-length novel.

Feel free to stalk Evans Light

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Current titles available from Evans Light, click on the cover below to get your copy now.