Review: Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer

Posted on October 3, 2015 by fundinmental

Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer is a bloody good read that you will want in your horror collection.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the title and ran right over to sign up to review this fun vampirc novel through Masquerade Book Tours R2R program.

I mean, check out that cover. How could I possible resist?

Add me to Goodreads now.

Cover: Marik Berghs

MY REVIEW

Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer has a great title and cover combination. This paranormal romance is written with a light and comical touch, with characters that got me involved and kept me there.

I love the fun humorous, witty, snarky writing that makes sucking sound like it’s okay, just a necessity, whether it’s for blood or energy.

Lilith, a vampire, works for a suicide hotline. How funny is that? She is an obsessive compulsive under stress, a germaphobe, lysol and handi-wipes always in reach. She swabs the neck of her victim before she sinks her teeth into him. HA HA HA!

Sebastian, a fellow vamp who has been like a brother to her, all of a sudden has the hots for her. He is a vamp casanova. Can she trust him? Or is this just lust? After 76 years, Lilith is having some of the same feelings. How long can she ignore them? Lilith does acts like a teen, so is she a baby vamp?

Aidan is a djinnn that has formed an attachment to her. He met Lilith when he called into the suicide hotline she worked for. She’s awakened his curiosity, given him a reason, a disire to live. Can a vampire and djinn be, you know together?

Hannah is another vampire friend. She is a hippie and dresses like a Goth hooker. I mention her, because she is a badass, unique individual and I love her. Will she have a book of her own. *crossing fingers and toes*

Someone else wants Sebastian and Lilith is in the way. Even Hannah is attracted to Sebastian. Is it vampire allure or just his hotness?

The mine’s bigger than yours going on between Sebastian and Aidan is comical, sweet and a triangle I didn’t mind…for a while. The testosterone challenge was fun, though it did drag on for a long time and Lilith comes across as somewhat of a bitch and a slut. I love them both and hate that she has to choose. But…I feel I do know who it will be.

I loved all the characters each playing their important and unique part to the story. Helena, Julian and Andrew deserve a mention. I love that Lilith works at a crisis center answering a suicide prevention hotline. At least that keeps her food supply going strong. LOL The writing is wonderful and the mystery is alive. We have heroes and villains, the vindictive, evil kind.

I received Sucking in San Francisco in return for an honest and unbiased review.

I see there are more books in the series and I was able to get the second one as an Amazon freebie, YAY. And it is about Hannah. I had a feeling she deserved a story of her own. I am looking forward to another fun and dangerous romp in San Francisco.

3 Stars

ABOUT JESSICA MCBRAYER

Jessica McBrayer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She lives in a house that looks like the prow of a
cruise ship and is surrounded by hills too steep for mountain goats, although every other animal seems to
make it their go to place. Jessica shares her home with her husband, her two children, assorted animals
and her mother who is a writer too. She is a member of
Romance Writers of America.

Be sure and stalk her at the following links:

Website / Blog / Twitter

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Giveaway & Review for The Key of Amatahns by Elisabeth Wheatley

Posted on September 30, 2015 by fundinmental

In a land where those with magic are esteemed and revered, Janir guards a secret that would send her to the headsman’s block at a word. As one of the reviled Argetallams, she has the power to destroy enchantments and steal others’ magic—an ability that has caused bloodshed for generations.

Raised as the illegitimate daughter of an influential lord, she was determined to turn her back on her heritage, but when her power manifests, leaving a nobleman dead, she has no choice but to flee her adoptive home. In exile with the help of a fearless young enchanter and an elf sworn to protect her, she finds herself entangled in a quest to hide an ancient artifact from the kingdom’s enemies.

But they are not the only ones after the relic and soon their paths cross with a rival from Janir’s distant childhood. With no hope of help or rescue, the fate of nations will depend on a fifteen year old girl and her mastery of powers she doesn’t understand.

Download off Amazon for $0.99 for a limited time!

MY REVIEW

The Key of Amatahn by Elisabeth Wheatley is her debut novel, and part of a trilogy. I have read her Fanged novellas and they blew me away, so I asked her for a copy of The Key of Amatahns. I am excited to embark on another adventure with this amazingly talented young author.

Janir and her mother were sent away from Adasha, but they never made it to their destination. Janir was saved by an elf and Amandius took her in. She is now a member of the Caersynn household, even though she is the daughter of the ruler of Argetallam.

The Argetallam are the Invincible. They feared and detested by all, because of their ruthlessness and powerful magic.

Lucan, Janir’s brother hated her. She is older, therefore would inherit the role of leader. He is mean, jealous, arrogant and self serving. I don’t think he would make a very good ruler. Lucan would do anything to find the Key and the Temple.

An unfortunate incident and she is on the run again, this time into the forest on her own. She meets up with Karile who appears to be a bumbling enchanter.

Saoven, an elf, is sent by Amandius to protect her and the three of them bond together to hunt for The Key To Amatahn.

The Key could lead to the world’s end if it were to fall into the wrong hands.

Once they have the Key, the pace picks up as they are chased through the woods, dodging evil and magic at every turn.

We have elves, wargs, mazag, dragons, enchanters… A cornucopia of magical creatures. And, of course, some mortals.

It took me a while to get into the swing of this fantasy adventure. As I figured out the different characters and the fantasy world Elisabeth Wheatley built. The characters became friends of mine and I cheered them on in their race to find the Key and the Temple it will unlock. I enjoyed the journey and would recommend The Key of Amatahn by Elisabeth Wheatley to all you fantasy lovers out there.

Janir, and Karile’s journey was a long, ugly, torturous one and it will not end here. The Key of Amatahn by Elisabeth Wheatley does not end with a cliffhanger, but leaves the story open for more fantasy adventure.

I received a copy of The Key of Amatahn by Elisbeth Wheatley in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

About the Author

Elisabeth Wheatley began what would be her first novel at eleven and hasn’t stopped writing since. When she’s not daydreaming of elves, vampires, and/or hot guys in armor, she can be found wasting time on the internet, fangirling over her latest obsession, and pretending to be a functional citizen.

Click here to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a signed copy of THE KEY OF AMATAHNS

Click here to see my reviews for Fanged Princess and Fanged Outcast.

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A Chilling Mystery – Dark Ice by Dave Stanton – Review & Giveaway

Posted on September 24, 2015 by fundinmental

Dark Ice by Dave Stanton took me to a slippery slope and I zigzagged my way to the end.

Genre: Crime, Murder Mystery, PI

Published by: LaSalle Davis Books

Publication Date: April 11, 2015

Number of Pages: 304

Series: Dan Reno Novel #4

ISBN: 098960313X (13: 978-0989603133)

Purchase Links:

MY REVIEW

Dark Ice by Dave Stanton has such a pretty cover and sounded a bit different, so I wanted to check it out.

I wondered if the author was an extreme skier, because he was able to vividly describe the terrain with all my senses involved. I saw the sparkling white snow, I smelt the crispness of the air, I tasted the snow on my tongue, I heard the soft hiss of my skis gliding through the snow, I felt the burn in my legs…

The body belonged to the daughter of General Raymond Horvachek and he had no faith in Captain Galanis’s ability or willingness to solve the murder. I would have no faith in him either. He was slimy, slutty and way to into himself.

The General wanted to hire Dan to solve it. Dan’s nickname, The Snake, made me think of Kenny Stabler from the Oakland Raiders football team. You can tell what time of year it is as I write this review. Football season coming up and I can hardly wait. Dan had that ball buster kind of attitude and was a party animal, until he met Candi.

His friend, Cody, on the other hand is still going strong and still quite the party animal. By the way, where is Cody? He just left, and with all the threats against Dan and his girlfriend, I would think Cody would be right behind them…but when the shit hit the fan, heeeeee’s back. I thought the book was too well written for Dave Stanton to forget about him, but I was surprised by how long it took for him to make another appearance. He is a great character and adds a bit more spice to the story.

The killer was no one I suspected, but there is a reason for that. I cannot tell you why, but it didn’t work for me.

I was curious and would not quit reading until I had the answers, but the road to get there seemed confusing and disjointed at times. I see why he kept two courses of action going, it did keep the suspense level up there, but It didn’t work very well for me. It kind of seemed like it was action for action’s sake. Or maybe it was just my mood. I finished the book in one sitting and it did keep me involved, so I would recommend you give this a try if you are in the mood for a “chilling” mystery on a cold winters night.

I received a copy of Dark Ice by Dave Stanton in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Two murdered girls, and no motive…

While skiing deep in Lake Tahoe’s backcountry, Private Eye Dan Reno finds the first naked body, buried under fresh snow. Reno’s contacted by the grieving father, who wants to know who murdered his daughter, and why? And how could the body end up in such a remote, mountainous location? The questions become murkier when a second body is found. Is there a serial killer stalking promiscuous young women in South Lake Tahoe? Or are the murders linked to a different criminal agenda?

Searching for answers, Reno is accosted by a gang of racist bikers with a score to settle. He also must deal with his pal, Cody Gibbons, who the police consider a suspect. The clues lead to the owner of a strip club and a womanizing police captain, but is either the killer?

The bikers up the ante, but are unaware that Cody Gibbons has Reno’s back at any cost. Meanwhile, the police won’t tolerate Reno’s continued involvement in the case. But Reno knows he’s getting close. And the most critical clue comes from the last person he’d suspect…

EXCERPT

The cornice stretched three feet over the sheer face below. There was about fifteen feet of vertical drop before the snow covered slope angled out at forty-five degrees. I inched my skis farther forward, the tips hanging over the void. I was wrong—it was more like twenty feet of mandatory air. And that was the shallowest entry the ledge offered.

I blew out my breath and ignored the sickly sensation of my testicles trying to climb into my stomach. Turning back now would mean a long uphill hike, while the reward for leaping off the cornice was five hundred feet of untracked powder. A slight dip to the left marked the most forgiving launch point. I pushed myself back and sidestepped higher up the ridge. A couple deep breaths, then I released my edges and glided toward the dip.

In a second I launched over the precipice, my hands thrust forward, my knees tucked toward my chest. As I dropped, I could see the distant desert floor of Nevada fall behind the stands of pine and fir at the bottom of the bowl. I extended my legs in the instant before I touched down and absorbed the shock, blinded for a second by a blast of snow. Then I cranked my skis on edge, bounced out of the fluff, and made a second turn through the deep powder. It had snowed about a foot last night, but here the fresh coverage was at least two feet, maybe more. Bottomless under my boots.

Twenty turns to the glade below, my heart pounding, my body disappearing in blasts of powder, the white coating me from head to toe. When I reached the tree line, I skidded to a stop and caught my breath. Then I looked up and admired the S-turns I’d left on the otherwise unblemished slope. Not bad, I thought, smiling at the understatement. Most of the winter storms that blow through the Lake Tahoe region come out of the warm Pacific and dump wet, heavy snow, creating the notorious Sierra cement. But last night’s blizzard swept in from Alaska, bringing colder and lighter snow. As a result, I was in the right place at the right time.

I skated along the terminus of the bowl and turned into the trees when they became sparse enough to allow passage. This was the Nevada backcountry, unpatrolled, accessible by ducking the boundary ropes at the highest elevation of South Lake Tahoe’s ski resort, right at the California-Nevada border. Before me lay 4000 feet of descent to the high desert floor where I’d parked my truck, near Route 207 outside of Gardnerville.

It was slower going now, the terrain interrupted by tangles of deadfall and icy patches where the wind had scoured the surface. I picked my way through it, my skis alternately sinking in powder then chattering and scraping across slick bands of ice. Finally I spotted a clearing—a wide, sweeping snow bank that fell toward a collection of pines hundreds of feet below. I rode the section like a surfer on a wave, turning down off the lip then riding back up, staying high and avoiding a flat area that would likely necessitate a hike.

When I reached the trees below, I entered a broad glade, the trunks spaced at wide intervals, the snow as soft and uniform as a white pillow. The morning sun had just appeared from behind a swath of swift moving clouds, and the snow glittered with pinpricks of light. I took a long moment to take in the scenery, then I picked a line and pushed off into the mild grade. The pristine snow held no surprises, the powder light and consistent, making it easy to find a rhythm. Floating through the trees and leaving a wake of rounded tracks, I become immersed in the splendor of the moment, as if the setting had been created solely for my indulgence.

My grandiose thoughts came to a crashing halt when I came around a tree and my skis rammed into something solid beneath the snow. My binding released with a loud click, and I flew forward and face-planted in a poof of powder.

“Son of a bitch,” I said, wiping the snow from my goggles. I took a quick inventory of my body and found no injuries. Then I crawled back ten feet to where my ski lay. When I pulled it from the snow, the edge caught, probably on a hidden stump, I thought. Then the powder fell aside, and I saw a flesh-colored streak. I froze for a second, certain my eyes were playing tricks on me. Blinking, I used the ski to push away more snow.

“No way,” I whispered, my heart in my throat. A bare shoulder revealed itself, then a snarl of blond hair strung with ice. I reached down with my gloved hand and carefully pushed aside the hair. The face was half-buried, one eye visible, lashes thick with mascara, a blue iris staring blankly. Using both hands like a shovel, I pushed away the bulk of the snow covering the upper body. A sour lump formed in my gut. The body was naked, the skin that of a young woman, perhaps a teenager.

ABOUT DAVE STANTON

Dave Stanton is the author of five novels in the Dan Reno private eye series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but for those who want to know, the order is: Stateline, Dying for the Highlife, Speed Metal Blues, Dark Ice, & Hard Prejudice.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1960, Dave Stanton moved to Northern California in 1961. He received a BA in journalism from San Jose State University in 1983. Over the years, he worked as a bartender, newspaper advertising salesman, furniture mover, debt collector, and technology salesman. He has two children, Austin and Haley, and lives with his wife, Heidi, in San Jose, California.

Stanton’s five novels all feature private investigator Dan Reno and his ex-cop buddy, Cody Gibbons.

Catch Up:

GIVEAWAY

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Dave Stanton. There will be one US winner of 1 $20 Amazon Gift Card. The giveaway begins on September 1st, 2015 and runs through September 31st, 2015. For US residents only.
Stop by the Tour Participants sites to get chances to win copies of Dark Ice & more!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants:

9/02/2015 showcase @ Bookalicious Traveladdict

9/03/2015 guest post @ Books Direct

9/03/2015 showcase @ The Pen and Muse Book Reviews

9/04/2015 showcase @ Bloody Bookish

9/05/2015 Interview, spotlight w/excerpt @ BooksChatter

9/06/2015 interview @ Suspense Magazine

9/07/2015 showcase @ Mythical Books

9/08/2015 review @ VicsMedia Room

9/09/2015 review @ Mallory Heart Reviews

9/10/2015 guestpost @ Writers and Authors

9/10/2015 review w/interview @ Deal Sharing Aunt

9/14/2015 review @ Marys Cup of Tea

9/15/2015 review @ A Fold in the Spine

9/15/2015 showcase @ Sapphyrias Book Reviews

9/18/2015 review @ Bloody Bookish

9/21/2015 review @ For Life After

9/24/2015 review @ fundinmental

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

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Teaser Tuesday #48 – A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea

Posted on September 8, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea

The title, A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own, made this super short story a must read for me.

The cover put a smile on my face.

What do you think of when you read the title or look at the cover?

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

I love the title and cover for A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea. Not only did she write this super short, but she created the fabulous cover too.

Eunice should know better than to walk in the isolated part of the park. After all, it is very possible that her ex boyfriend’s biker club may come after her for what she did to them.

There are screams, a bite, she runs, but doesn’ t get far.

Thank God for Billy Joe.

Got 5 or 10 minutes, check out this fun and quirky supernatural tale.

I think the title shows that the story will not be all blood and guts, but smiles and laughter with the light hearted and comical writing.

Sometimes I find it hard to write a review for a story so short, 23 Kindle pages, without giving too much away.

That being said, I find it amazing that Echo Shea could pack so much into such a small place.

I read this four times and liked it better each time.

I received a copy of A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Dealing with the devastating end to her long-term relationship with Cobweb, Eunice decides to pick up the broken pieces of her heart and glue them back together with the healing song of nature and a nourishing brandy to replenish the soul.

As evening falls on her drunken pity party in the park, it’s time to head home and deal with the consequences of the not-so-anonymous tip to the cops and what she may or may not have done to Cobweb’s bike–and clubhouse.

All thoughts of that end when something bigger than a pissed off biker gets aold of her–nothing says burning calories like booking it through woods with a mermaid-killing werewolf at your heels.

Will Cobweb miss her? Will Eunice survive?

Friendship, bikers, werewolves, and repurposed tinfoil. Some stories just have it all.

My review for Light A Candle For The Beast by Echo Shea

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What are you reading?

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You can’t run from A Killer Past by Maris Soule

Posted on September 5, 2015 by fundinmental

A Killer Past by Maris Soule

Can we run from the past? I don’t think so.

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

I was drawn to A Killer Past for numerous reasons, the title, the cover, the blurb and the location, Michigan. I love to read books that are in a location I an familiar with and I know a bit about Michigan. This is not your comfy, cozy mystery.

Sergeant Jack Rossini had been called to a scene where two gang members claimed to be beaten up by a little old woman. After they arrived at the hospital, they changed their story to ninjas, ending with they fell.

That little old lady is Mary Harrington, who is 74 and looked like easy prey. Boy were they wrong. She kicked their ass, but that created a big problem for her, exposure. Now, not only is she in danger, but also those close to her. How far would they go to keep the past buried?

I knew the premise of the story was a forgone conclusion, but I was looking forward to some twists and turns that would entertain me. The first one was Mary Harrington.

I mean…a 74 year old woman is the main character and her hidden past forces her to go on the offensive. Even though it had been years since she had used martial arts, actions were done by reflex. All her training had paid off.

Even after being warned, Jack does not let the mystery lie. He wants answers. Will he get them? Will he wish he had left well enough alone? We shall see.

Seeing I am no spring chicken myself, it was hard to buy into her kicking ass and taking a few kicks herself, then walking away. I know surprise was on her side, so I’ll give it to her. I don’t know what is missing in A Killer Past, but I did not feel a sense of urgency. I knew the gang members would retaliate, I mean, they are gang members, after all. Isn’t that what they do? It took me three days to read it. It lacks that something extra that makes it unputdownable. Nevertheless, A Killer Past was worth reading and I did enjoy it. I would recommend this as a not so cozy, easy reading mystery.

I received A Killer Past by Maris Soule in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

When two gang members choose Mary Harrington as their target, the quiet widow has a secret to share of her own

Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award winning author of 25 romances, 2 mystery and 2 short stories, with 2 suspense novels coming out 2015. Maris Soule was born and raised in California but moved to the midwest two years after her marriage. She is a member of MWA, MMRWA, Sisters-in-Crime, RWA, FWA, and Authors’ Guild. Soule is still married to the same man, has two grown children, and two granddaughters. She is currently working on another mystery, this one set in Skagway, Alaska.”

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Google+ / LinkedIn / Goodreads

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Life is Life whether Dead or Alive – Onyx Webb by Andrea Waltz & Richard Fenton

Posted on September 3, 2015 by fundinmental

How do you feel about books that seem to go on forever? Many times I pass them over, because I figure I may never know the end, other times they look so promising, that I cannot help myself and just hope I remember to keep on reading and looking out for the next one. How do you keep track? Do you have a list?

Onyx Webb is one of those books and I am so glad I chose to give it a try.

Read on and you will see why, but first, I would like to welcome Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz and let them share their thoughts with you.

Hi Richard and Andrea. I am so happy to have you here with us today.

Q: How did you come up with the subject matter and themes for the book?

We love paranormal stories and lots of twists. We also love stories that move quickly. We are inspired by paranormal movies like The Sixth Sense and The Others. We also love t.v. series like Downton Abbey with complicated stories about people and relationships. So we mash all that together in Onyx Webb. Some people have had a hard time coming up with an exact genre for us.

Q: Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

We are business book authors and professional speakers. One of our books, Go for No! has sold around 300,000 copies. That book is actually a fable with a supernatural theme to it so we are not so far off, we’ve just moved more into the fiction realm for Onyx Webb. And while not business, as people read it, they will begin to see that Onyx Webb does have an underlying message as well.

Q: What are some of the references that you used while researching this book?

We are very proud of the research that has gone into writing the series so far. We have spent countless hours researching historical events such as the World’s Fair in 1904, the Ferris Wheel, trains, it goes on and on. We visited Savannah GA where part of the story takes place and took tons of photos to inspire us. We also spent a few days at Lily Dale, NY a spiritualist community featured in the book. One of our characters walks to the pet cemetery there. Writing that scene was so fun because we did it.

Q: What’s the greatest criticism of your book so far and the best compliment?

So far, probably the stories themselves. It sounds cliché, but the old ‘I could not put it down’ is what we are hearing a lot of and that is a great thing to hear. Writers don’t need readers putting the book down! The criticism is probably how the various characters and their stories are connected and yet the connections are unclear. Some readers seem annoyed not having all the answers. But we are hoping that by after reading Book One and them by Book Two they will be able to let the uncertainty go and really enjoy this crazy ride we are taking them on.

Q: What do you think most characterizes your writing?

Our model is more story over lots of words. We don’t write flowery language or in depth descriptions of things or even people for that matter. We are very story based, more like a screenplay. For example, we wrote just a few lines on the 1904 World’s Fair and we could have done pages about it. But if you give people just enough – we let the readers create everything in their imagination. And because we move so fast, it seems to work well.

Q: What was the hardest part of writing this book?

Deciding how to write Book One was the hardest because it is the foundation of everything that we are creating. We had an entirely different model of the first book almost two years ago that featured Onyx Webb both young and middle aged, back and forth. People got confused so we started her story from her young age and will continue it chronologically without also showing scenes of her living in the future. That was a tough decision that set us back months with re-writes but it was the right move. Luckily all that content we did write will work for the future books!

Add me to Goodreads now.

Onyx Webb by Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton:

Publisher: Courage Crafters Inc. (March 17, 2015)
Category: Paranormal Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural Thriller
Tour Date: August & September, 2015
ISBN: 978-0990751816
ASIN: B00VIP8KLC
Available in: Print & ebook, 264 Pages

MY REVIEW

The tagline on the cover of Onyx Webb hooked me – Think life is precious now? Just wait until you’re dead – and I had to read Book I by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz. I am just hoping I made the right decision, because there are more books to come and I will not learn the ending here.

Onyx Webb is a paranormal thriller that will have you questioning the most important things in “life”. If you are a fan of character driven stories, this one is for you.

Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz do a wonderful job of building complex characters that are well developed and I quickly found my favorites and the villains. As each characters story grows, so does my interest.

We have kidnappers and serial killers, ghosts and visions. What is real? You will have to read Onyx Webb to find out for yourself.

There is more than one villain walking the streets and you never know who you can trust. People are not always what they seem.

Onyx is not your average child and her life took a turn for the worst when she met him.

Men – they can be the life of you or the death of you.

Onyx Webb, Book I laid a solid foundation.There is so much going on, that I feel I will not be able to rest until I know the whole story. Thank goodness Book II is out and waiting for me to grab a copy of my own.

I received Onyx Webb by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

BLURB

The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times. The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series.

Written like a book version of a supernatural soap opera, each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

Praise for Onyx Webb by Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton:

“There isn’t a page that doesn’t hold our attention.“-Grady Harp, Amazon Reviewer Hall of Fame

“There’s only one problem with the book Onyx Webb – it was over too soon. When I finished the last word, I was ready for the next book, but it’s not out yet – bummer for me and all the other readers who enjoyed this story!
The authors’ writing style is descriptive and visual, which makes the story flow well, and the characters are interesting and well developed. The author does a good job of capturing the essence of each time period so that the reader knows where and more importantly when the characters are living. The story so far covers the 1900s, 1970s and 2000s, so there are marked differences in most aspects of the characters’ lives. Even with the different years represented it’s not confusing for the reader, possibly because each character is so distinct, which lets the reader identify character with time period.
While this is billed as a ghost story, it’s more than that since the characters are so interesting, and I think this will appeal to a wider reading audience than just ghost story lovers or mystery lovers.
I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment to this compelling story.”- Robin Surface, Amazon Reviewer

“I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down. Great writing and totally believable characters. The story lines move along so well and in some form or fashion begin to tie into each other. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.”-Alicia, Goodreads Reviewer

“Wow! That’s an understatement, though. Onyx Webb is one of those books that you just don’t want to put down because it grabs you from the beginning and keeps you wanting more. Not only do you get one story, you get three! And they are all told in different times, like the 1900s, 1970s, and in the current, 2000s. So you get three different points of view, and at first you’re thinking “What does this have to do with that?” But then you see it, and it’s like, WHOA! Of the three different story lines, they all connect in some way, and it’s pretty cool to see how it does.
This is such a good book!! You just have to read it. It’s really cool how authors Waltz and Fenton bring all of the story lines that span over time, together to all fit.
I highly recommend this book! And it’s just Book 1, so I’m really hoping Book 2 is already in the works because I am anxious to see what happens next!!”-Ella Marie, Reading Is a Way Of Life

“Amazing! This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time!“-Melanie, Fang-Freakin-Tastic Reviews

About Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton:

Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz are best known as the authors of the #1 Amazon Sales & Selling book, Go for No! They are professional speakers who travel internationally speaking to audiences about how to overcome fear of failure and rejection. Although they have written several business books over the last fifteen years, Onyx Webb is their first fictional series.

They are married and manage to write to together while staying happily married, a fact they are very proud of. Richard and Andrea live in Central Florida along with their cat, Courage.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

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Giveaway – The Vampire, The Hunter and The Girl by Martin Lastrapes

Posted on August 24, 2015 by fundinmental

The cover for The Vampire, The Hunter and The Girl by Martin Lastrapes made me curious. Check out the drop of blood on the tip of the blade. I love a visual image that includes hidden elements that pop out at closer inspection. How frickin’ cool is that? Excellent job, Martin.

Add to Goodreads now.

Book & Author Details:

The Vampire, the Hunter, and the Girl by Martin Lastrapes
(The Vampire and the Hunter Trilogy #1)
Publication date: March 18th 2015
Genres: Adult, Horror, Paranormal

MY REVIEW

The Vampire, the Hunter and the Girl by Marti Lastrapes is Book I of a trilogy. The title tells us there will be a triangle, but this triangle will include some unusual characters in unusual situations. I see some serious problems ahead for all of them.

They were brought before Dracula. Why? Let’s read on and find out.

Adam is a vampire and his biggest problem is boredom, so he takes up a hobby, bowling. Cherry, a vampire, had found him there and after she changed him they became inseparable. When Cherry disappears he notices Olivia.

Jesus is the Mexican vampire hunter. His mother had been killed by a vampire, so he became a latch key kid at a very young age. The WWF and wrestling were his babysitters. He had wrestled in school but mixed martial arts was what he wanted do. He’d only had one friend, Daniel and they had a plan. Jesus would be the fighter and Daniel the trainer until…

Now, Jesus walks the dark side and uses himself as bait to lure vampires in for the kill.

Olivia works at the bowling alley and is a huge wrestling fan. She is writing a book about vampires. Her memories draw her to Heritage Park. She loves looking out at Rancho Cucamonga, feeling the dewy grass beneath her feet and the air flowing around her body as she swings to and fro, until…

Adam and Olivia become friends of a sort. She lets him feed and he gives her information for her vampire novel. How dysfunctional is that?

Jesus and Olivia meet at the gym where he works and trains, the Ground and Pound. She was there to learn self defense.

Olivia’s friend Elowyn strips at Tropical Lei where Olivia also bartends. Johnson is Jesus’s friend at Ground and Pound . The scene where Elowyn and Johnson are on a date and Victus, a vicious vampire, sees them is great. The vampire TV shows and movies I have seen help me to visualize the action and I love it.

Elowyn and Olivia’s ideas of life seem very naive, but had a ring of truth to them. It adds a bit of reality into their fantasies and expectations and shows how different life really is – life lessons.

The Barbershop, vampires went there for a cut and dinner. A gruesome scenario, where humans are chained to the wall, half dead to almost dead to barely alive. Would a vamp care if they were filthy and stank of day old sweat and fear?

A girl, a boy, a vampire – not your normal triangle. The story being told from different character views, was good and bad. At times, the story seemed to jumped around a lot with the repetition slowing down the pacing, but I did like the different characters descriptions of the same event. This is an ARC, so I think this can easily be improved upon before the finished product is released.

I found some originality in the storyline. Martin Latrapes development of the characters brought them to life on the pages. I really wanted them to end up friends, but something tells me that cannot happen. What do you think?

Why did Dracula haul them in? The ending explained many of my questions and raised many more. I enjoyed and would recommend The Vampire, The Hunter, The Girl by Martin Latrapes. I will be following the author to find out what happens in Book II, The Vampire, The Hunter and The Witch.

I received an ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

ABOUT MARTIN LASTRAPES

MARTIN LASTRAPES won the GRAND PRIZE at the 2012 PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL for his debut novel INSIDE THE OUTSIDE.He grew up in the Inland Empire, has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Composition from Cal State San Bernardino, watches his favorite movies over and over again, learned many a lesson from professional wrestling, wonders if he’ll ever be famous enough to be on “Dancing With the Stars,” thinks good stand-up comedy is rare and under appreciated, is scared of Vladimir Putin, wonders if it’s too late to learn how to play the guitar, gets depressed when he hears the theme song from “M*A*S*H,” wonders why Teen Wolf never made it to the NBA, and wants Morgan Freeman to narrate his life.

He is also the host of THE MARTIN LASTRAPES SHOW PODCAST HOUR. Subscribe on iTunes or listen on the official website MartinLastrapesShow.com. New episodes every week.

Author links: Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

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GIVEAWAY

Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

3 signed copies of The Vampire, the Hunter, and the Girl
Ends Sept 10th

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Let’s Meet at Mack’s – In The Drink by Allyson K Abbott

Posted on August 14, 2015 by fundinmental

Before we get started, how about preparing a nice, cool beverage, then sit back, relax and get your read on.

Murder on the Rocks by Allyson K. Abbott

MILWAUKEE RIVER ICED TEA

1 oz. vodka

1 oz. gin

1 oz. tequila

1 oz. white rum

1 oz. Triple Sec

1 oz. lemon juice

Beer

Combine all ingredients except beer in a shaker half full of ice and shake for about thirty seconds. Pour into a glass and top off with a beer of your choice.

For a mocktail version, combine 4 oz. strong black tea with 6 oz. apple cider and 1 oz. of fresh lemon juice. Pour over ice and top off with ginger ale and a maraschino cherry.

In the Drink (Mack’s Bar Mysteries Book 3)

Cozy Mystery
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Kensington (July 28, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0758280190

MY REVIEW

Suspense and mystery from the opening words. This is the third book in the series, but it did not affect my reading In The Drink in any way.

Duncan Albright is a homicide detective in Milwaukee. He is MacKenzie’s lover and they must keep their meetings secret, because of his suspension. It had been discovered that he used her on one of his cases and the higher ups didn’t like that.

MacKenzie owns a bar, left to her by her murdered father. She has synethesia – mixed up senses, sees music, hears smells… She works with her lover, Duncan, using her abilities. That she was even born is a miracle in itself. Could that mean she was meant for something great?

Her friends and bar customers formed the Capone Club to help her solve crimes. The group works as a whole. There are two mysteries going on and the lives at stake are the ones closest to Mack.

Cora and the Signoriello brothers are her closest “family”. She would trust them with the news about the evil game that was afoot, the challenge someone has issued to her.

M & M – Mack & Mal. I love both the guys. Can we keep them Allyson, pretty please? I don’t want Mack to have to choose. Mal has stolen my heart. I know Duncan is a busy cop, but so is Mal. Mal keeps Mack at arms length because he would not betray his friend, Duncan. But Mack is very hard to resist. Their attraction puts him to the ultimate test. He is chivalrous, hot. I feel bad about Duncan, but hey out of sight, out of mind.

The characters are individuals, with something of their own to contribute, whether its computers skills, connections to someone…

I am ticked off about the ending and that is all I am saying.

I love cozy mysteries, suspense and thrills. There is more going on than meets the eye at first glance. Plots, yep, more than one. Mystery, yep, plenty to go around. Suspense, yep, some of that too. Just be careful as you read In The Drink, because you may very well be caught up in the mystery, having to return in the next episode to keep up with all the wonderful characters. I know I am.

I received In The Drink by Allyson K Abbott in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Mack’s Bar and its crime-solving clientele are quickly gaining notoriety for helping solve some high-profile cases. But Mack is learning the hard way that not all press is good press…

By day, Mackenzie “Mack” Dalton is the proprietress of a popular Milwaukee watering hole. But after last call, she uses her unique cocktail of extra perceptive senses to help solve some of the city’s most grisly homicides. Now, Mack and her barstool detectives are happy to help when Tiny, one of the bar’s newest patrons, asks them to look into his sister’s murder. Though the case has gone cold, Mack’s heightened senses quickly put her on the killer’s trail. But when a throng of reporters intrigued by her talents descends on Mack’s Bar, her efforts are muddled as a real-life Moriarty begins putting her infamous skills to the test, leaving Mack feeling shaken and stirred…

* Includes drink recipes *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allyson K. Abbott is the pseudonym of a mystery and thriller writer who also works as an emergency room nurse. She lives in a small Wisconsin town with her family. Visit her at bethamos.com or Goodreads.

Purchase Links

Amazon / B&N / INDIE BOUND

Tour Participants

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August 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview

August 11 – fuonlyknew – Review, Recipe

August 12 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

August 13 – Girl with Book Lungs – Review

August 14 – fundinmental – Review, Recipe

August 15 – readalot – Review

August 16 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review

August 17 – Babs Book Bistro – Review, Recipe

August 18 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Recipe

August 19 – Jane Reads – Review, Recipe

GIVEAWAY

2 book copies, and a HobbyReads Travel Sewing Kit

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L Reid

Posted on August 3, 2015 by fundinmental

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L Reid is a paranormal series that will have you asking for more. I love the title and the cover spoke to me, kinda creeping me out. LOL

Check out the pretties and be sure to read to the end to enter the giveaway.

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

The Pretty Dark Nothing series has some of the most beautiful covers foreshadowing the story of the paranormal and supernatural. There was no way I was missing out on reading Pretty Dark Nothing, with a cover like that and the writing on the tombstone.

Quinn is being terrorized in her dreams, but the terror keeps escalating and now she lives in fear during the daylight hours. She is afraid to sleep, afraid to close her eyes, afraid to be alone, afraid of the dark, dark shadows that were after her. How long could she go without sleep, popping caffeine pills and sucking on energy drinks.

Aaron had died, along with his mother and sister, but he had been brought back to life. He came back with a gift and a curse. His music saved him after the accident. His father struggled at the loss, barely making it through each day.

Quinn was drawn to the new guy, Aaron. He was so mysterious and private, that he created interest for that very reason. He felt the connection too. Was it telepathy? Was it more than that?

Jeff is her ex boyfriend, even though it takes all her effort to stay away from him. He is now dating a snotty cheerleader and I think he is getting his due.

Marcus is Aaron’s best friend and has his eyes on Reese, Quinn’s best friend. He is a fun loving, big hearted, happy go lucky kind of guy. These two stick with Aaron and Quinn through thick and thin, half the time not even understanding what is going on. They are the yin and yang of friendships.

The love triangle in Young Adult is a common theme. As long as the story is written well and the relationships seem real enough, I can live with that. Teenagers can be dramatic and confused by such powerful emotions, but they are not alone. Love is love, no matter what age and being dumped is a personal rejection. I wanted her over the jock and moving on.

The novel is told from both Quinn and Aaron’s perspective. This caused the book to be drawn out and drag in parts, but it surprised me how quickly I became invested in Quinn, then Quinn and Aaron. Two damaged and lonely people drawn together. Heather kept the suspense and anticipation alive, even though I did not feel a sense of urgency. I was still very curious about why Quinn and Aaron seem to be so important – to who?

When Heather L Reid mentions Carl Sagan and Cosmos, I thought we had another connection.

Book II is available, so no waiting is necessary and I didn’t. I jumped right in to Pretty Dark Sacrifice.

I received Pretty Dark Nothing from Heather L Reid in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

ENTER HERE FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND MY REVIEW OF PRETTY DARK SACRIFICE

SYNOPSIS

It’s been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don’t make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

ENTER HERE FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND MY REVIEW OF PRETTY DARK SACRIFICE

ABOUT HEATHER L. REID

Heather L. Reid is both American and British and has called six different cities in three different countries, home. Her strong sense of wanderlust and craving for a new adventure mean you might find her wandering the moors of her beloved Scotland, exploring haunted castles, or hiking through a magical forest in search of fairies and sprites. When she’s not venturing into the unknown in her real life, she loves getting lost in the worlds of video games or curling up by the fire with good story. For now, this native Texan is back in the Lone Star State, settling down with her Scottish husband and writing new tales of fantasy and horror.

ENTER HERE FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND MY REVIEW OF PRETTY DARK SACRIFICE

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

New Cover for A Haunted House Tale by Anthony Renfro

Posted on June 19, 2015 by fundinmental

Anthony Renfro has a new cover for his horror short, A Haunted House Tale.

I love the vibrant colors and the evil face buried inside the cover.

Look deeply and tell Anthony and I what you see!

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

I love a good horror story, not so much the Jason/slasher type, but A Haunted House Tale is a horror story that speaks to me.

Five kids are looking for a place to party for Halloween. Anthony Renfro’s goal is to give them a party they will never forget.

Picture the house: the “lawn” overgrown with weeds, neglected, a broken and uneven concrete driveway, the large porch, rotting and falling down. Of course, it has a reputation.

I can imagine what it smells like, as bad as the bottom of Perdido Bay when the tide goes out.

The horror had me squirming in my seat, but I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. I have a pretty morbid sense of humor at times.

The ending was a shocking surprise and so original I would have read it for that alone. It’s pretty hard to surprise me and it requires an imaginative mind that takes me where I haven’t been before.

There is also a bonus short story – The Man From The Road. It packs a super punch into in a very small package. So, beware.

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

This short story is about five students on Halloween night who discover the secrets and terrors of the town’s most infamous haunted house. Will they live to see the morning?

ABOUT ANTHONY RENFRO

Anthony Renfro lives in Apex, North Carolina. He is a reader, writer, runner, husband, father, and stay at home dad – one of the toughest jobs anyone could ever do. He was born in Bristol, Tennessee, and is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro.

You can find him at many spots on the web, but if you really need to find his center in the social media storm it would be at his blog, apoetryjourney.wordpress.com.

Now reach out, just beyond the light, right into that big black space, and let him take your hand on a journey into cold dark places. You will be scared, and you may even be terrified, but in the end you might just find you liked the ride.

Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

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