Another Hit by Patricia Cornwell – Flesh and Blood

Posted on August 13, 2015 by fundinmental

Flesh and Blood

Patricia Cornwell

on Tour August 2015

Book Details

Genre: Women Sleuths | Crime | Suspense

Published by: William Morrow

Publication Date: 06/30/2015

Number of Pages: 512

ISBN: 9780062325358

Purchase Links:

MY REVIEW

I love Patricia Cornwell’s novels and there is never any need to investigate further when seeing a new release. She is on my automatic grab it list.

In the world of forensics, Scarpetta is at the top of the list. Now, we have a serial sniper leaving dead bodies up and down the east coast and she is hot on the case.

Scarpetta is a well developed and strong character. She has a Greyhound named Sock – what a cool name is that? She is the chief medical examiner of Massachusetys and also works for the Pentagon. Believes in doing the right thing sometimes involves bending the rules a bit. Kay is Dr Death, a stickler for details and take of care of business now attitude, which can rub others the wrong way.

Benton, her significant other, comes from money, but he is not a snob. He is an FBI profiler and very good at his job.

Lucy…how can I describe this dangerous dynamo. . I love this character, flaws and all. She is bold, confident and can kick your ass from here to tomorrow. She knows weapons, drives a Ferrari, owns and operates her own chopper and is a genius when it comes to computers. If you mess with her and hers, it could be deadly.

Marino, another friend of our Scarpetta’s cast of characters, had been working at CFC with her, but was lured back to the Police Department. He still assumes they are a team and Scarpetta will drop everything to help him whenever heeded. He is a bit cantankerous. I love him and his bull in a china shop attitude. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. Nothing, noone stands in the way of his investigations. Kay at times feels she works for him not with him, whether making a call or cleaning his sunglasses.. I find that funny.

Does their work and stress of job create an aura of competition, turning friends into antagonists, or worse yet, enemies, working against each other, causing problems on cases they are forced to share?

Bloom is an insurance investigator. Why does he keep turning up like a bad penny? He works for an insurance company that does all they can to deny claims.

What do a man accused, but innocent, of being a terrorist, a young girl supposedly in a drowning accident, seven bright and shiny copper pennies, a ruthless insurance investigator, a 61 year old murdered woman, a dead crane operator have in common?

As usual Patricia Cornwell took me on a roller coaster ride of mystery, danger and intrigue at every turn with Flesh and Blood. She kept me on my toes with twists and turns and I am unable to put all the pieces together. I know they will fit, I just don’t know how. It doesn’t matter if I figure it out or not, I am still on pins and needles as I read to the very end.

Kay Scarpetta is not the only adventurous, do it myself kind of investigator, so is Patricia Cornwell. Be sure and read her bio, which is almost as entertaining as the book itself.

I received a copy of Flesh and Blood in return for an honest and unbiased review.

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

It’s Dr. Kay Scarpetta’s birthday, and she’s about to head to Miami for a vacation with Benton Wesley, her FBI profiler husband, when she notices seven pennies on a wall behind their Cambridge house. Is this a kids’ game? If so, why are all of the coins dated 1981 and so shiny they could be newly minted? Her cellphone rings, and Detective Pete Marino tells her there’s been a homicide five minutes away. A high school music teacher has been shot with uncanny precision as he unloaded groceries from his car. No one has heard or seen a thing.

In this 22nd Scarpetta novel, the master forensic sleuth finds herself in the unsettling pursuit of a serial sniper who leaves no incriminating evidence except fragments of copper. The shots seem impossible, yet they are so perfect they cause instant death. The victims appear to have had nothing in common, and there is no pattern to indicate where the killer will strike next. First New Jersey, then Massachusetts, and then the murky depths off the coast of South Florida, where Scarpetta investigates a shipwreck, looking for answers that only she can discover and analyze. And it is there that she comes face to face with shocking evidence that implicates her techno genius niece, Lucy, Scarpetta’s own flesh and blood.

ABOUT PATRICIA CORNWELL

Patricia Cornwell is recognized as one of the world’s top bestselling crime authors with novels translated into thirty-six languages in more than 120 countries. Her novels have won numerous prestigious awards including the Edgar, the Creasey, the Anthony, the Macavity, and the Prix du Roman d’Aventure. Beyond the Scarpetta series, she has written a definitive book about Jack the Ripper, a biography, and two more fiction series. Cornwell, a licensed helicopter pilot and scuba diver, actively researches the cutting-edge forensic technologies that inform her work. She was born in Miami, grew up in Montreat, North Carolina, and now lives and works in Boston.

Catch Up with Patricia Cornwell:

Tour Participants:

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Chilling Must Read Thriller – Perfectly Twisted by Kristine Mason

Posted on August 11, 2015 by fundinmental

Perfectly Twisted (Book 1 C.O.R.E. Above the Law) (C.O.R.E. Series) by Kristine Mason

I am a super huge fan of thrillers and Kristine Mason is at the top of her game in Perfectly Twisted, her latest chapter of the stand alone CORE series. I have read all of her books and find myself on pins and needles waiting for the next one, but first…

Check out this Perfectly Twisted cover!

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

Are you curious about the snake on the cover? You should be! I LOVE it.

With each novel Kristine Mason writes, her creativity and imagination shines brighter. Perfectly Twisted is a perfect title for this romantic suspense thriller. I don’t know how Kristine produces such brilliantly written novels that should be at the top of any thriller list, but I am glad to have found her and be able to share her with you. The story is not for the faint of heart and I would highly recommend it to adult readers.

The Reverend uses his position for his own wickedly evil purposes, him and his son laugh at the gullibility of the congregation they serve. The things they do are so horrendous they defy description by me, a lowly reader. I wonder how Kristine comes up with her storylines and makes them so believable.

The Above The Law CORE group operates on the edge, keeping a low profile and dealing with situations that may cross the line. Lola, Ryan, Harrison, Vlad, Mel and Barney walk a fine line but believe in doing the right thing. It’s just sometimes the right thing requires more than the law allows. Each member is chosen for their particular expertise and function as a fine tuned instrument. They are as close as any family could be.

I love Kristine’s ability to make her characters come alive on the pages. I fall in love with her powerful, yet loving male characters. Her male protagonists are to die for and they would gladly do it for their brave and courageous women partners. Her female characters I want for my best friends.

Perfectly Twisted’s romantic couple being spotlighted are Shane and Beth. I feel for Shane who paid for a crime that never would have happened if he wasn’t in the wrong place at the wrong time. Deputy Beth Price risks her job to be with him. Little does she realize his dalliance with the law is just the tip of the iceberg.

Kristine Mason’s characters are complex. You will find that you either love them or hate them, root for them or root against them, and sometimes pray at the end some of them no longer walk the earth.

After reading Perfectly Twisted, I can’t help but wonder how many perverted and depraved sickos run around at any give time? The question in Perfectly Twisted is how many sickos are operating in the same place at the same time. Is there more than one? Is there a copycat?

The game of cat and mouse is afoot. Who will be left standing?

The sweet and sexy banter has a humorous flavor even during the horror. I never used to be much of a romance fan, but Kristine Mason is one of the amazing authors I have found that I cannot help but let the love, romance and passion wash over me while I swoon and drown in it. The sexual situations read as romance and passion more than just the physical act.

You may have played strip poker, but have you ever played strip scrabble. It is writing like this that elevates Perfectly Twisted to such a high level for me. I love a little humor with my horror.

When I finally found out who the necrophiliac was it made sense, but I am still shocked. I didn’t see it coming. Kristine goes that extra mile of creepiness! We can label this as a horror/suspense/thriller.

Mel has become one of my favorite characters. She carries a knife and knows how to use it. Need a body disposed of? A car or a boat? Just give Mel a call. When I saw Mel’s story is next I was ecstatic. I can hardly wait. Her whole persona spoke to me – she’s a real badass and I want to know her better. I wonder…

If you are a romantic suspense fan of the dark kind, Kristine Mason is an author that MUST be on your reading list and Perfectly Twisted is one of those novels that stuck with me long after reading it. I love novels with serial killers and her writing is so thought provoking that at times I forget it’s not real. I am so engrossed, that I feel a real sense of loss when the last page is read.

I received Perfectly Twisted by Kristine Mason in return for an honest and unbiased review.

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

What do you get when you mix a snake-handling reverend, a necrophiliac, a cop, and an ex-con? Something perfectly twisted…

Sounds like the start of a bad joke? Not to Shane Monahan. The ex-con and newest recruit to the underground criminal investigation group, A.T.L. or Above the Law, has it bad for Collier County Deputy Beth Price. But ex-cons and cops don’t mix, especially when this particular ex-con is looking at going back to prison for his involvement with A.T.L.

All Beth wants is a fun distraction from the stress of her job and law school. She thinks she’s found that when she meets Shane during an airboat tour through the Florida Everglades. But Shane’s a felon, a man who could destroy her career as a deputy, and jeopardize her future as an attorney. She doesn’t know what to do—until dead bodies start showing up around the county.

When three abused corpses are found with snake remains inside them, the discovery brings a murderer out of retirement. The Reverend, as he calls himself, doesn’t like his kills being mimicked, especially by a man who abuses the dead—after all, the Reverend does have a reputation to uphold and a congregation to scam. Now it’s time to teach his copycat a deadly lesson…

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Google Play

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

Website / Email: authorkristinemason@gmail.com / Facebook / Twitter

MY REVIEWS FOR KRISTINE MASON’S NOVELS

Shadow of Danger / Shadow of Perception / Shadow of Vengeance

Ultimate Kill / Ultimate Fear / Ultimate Prey (review coming soon)

All covers link to Amazon.

The Celeste Files of the Psychic CORE series are paranormal and supernatural novels that star Celeste, from the very first book in the CORE Shadow Trilogy, Shadow of Danger. I love the mix of psychics and ghosts, with murder and thrills. Check them out below.

Perfectly twisted is the beginning of another series, CORE Above the Law, that takes the characters even further than I thought they would go. I am LOVING it!!!

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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!

Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon or like it on GoodReads.

Teaser Tuesday #46 – Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki

Posted on August 11, 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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Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki

I am currently 27% into Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki. I was intrigued by the premise, a writer and his muse.

I love the “sweetness” of the cover. I feel as if she is waiting for just the right moment to reach out to him. And when she does…

Mortal-Musings-Cover Add me to Goodreads now.

TEASER

All he saw was Alexandra, weaving through flowers that reached to her as though ready to whisper all their secrets. Not exactly right for a mystery novel..

(27% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

Muse Alexandra has had it with the arrogant, ungrateful humans she is obligated to inspire. When the internal ranting of her latest charge pushes her past reason, she disregards the rules and forces her own words through his fingers, and is instantly entrapped in mortal form. With no magic, no identity, and no resources, Allie has no alternative but to navigate the mortal realm, depending entirely on her reluctant host while discerning what exactly caused her transformation — and how to reverse it.

Brett doesn’t have a chance to consider the words that mysteriously showed up on his screen; he’s too distracted by the stunning woman who appeared in his office out of nowhere. Before his brain can catch up, Brett’s uninvited guest becomes enmeshed in his everyday life. Her artless innocence gradually lessens his suspicions. Most importantly, the writer’s block that’s been plaguing him dissolves under the fantasies the naively beguiling Alexandra inspires.

All too soon, the forced proximity sparks a confounding awareness neither writer nor muse are able to resist.

Cover linked to Amazon. I am an affiliate.

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What are you reading?

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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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Sherry’s Shelves #47 – Books & Fun

Posted on August 9, 2015 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves is my weekly update for August 2 – August 8, 2015.

Happy to have you join me for some books & fun.

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged is hosted by TalkSupe

**all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**

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Hop on over and see what I have been up to, other than reading and blogging.

My Adventures – Sum, Sum Summer Time

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FREE BOOKS

Still free at time of posting, but check for the “0”.

I saw this for free in William Meikle’s newsletter If it looks good to you, check him out and sign up to keep in touch. He is a very prolific writer.

The first book, The Demon of Synar is free, but I subscribe to Donna McDonald’s newsletter and was able to pick up Book II, The Demon Master’s Wife. Currently .99 on Amazon.

Marily Peake has come to my attention after I saw THE FISHERMAN’S SON TRILOGY for free in her newsletter. I have read the first book and think I will read this next, before continuing on with The Fisherman’s Son. I am loving it!

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NEW to fundinmental

DV Berkon has a new novel

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AROUND THE BLOGOSPHERE

Preparing for Release Day + August Question of the Month – Chrys Fey

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CHECK OUT THESE GIVEAWAYS

Oh So Pretty – Pretty Dark Sacrifice by @HeatherLReid

Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Pretty Dark Sacrifice (Pretty Dark Nothing #2) by Heather L. Reid (INT) Ends August 21, 2015

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Will they find her before it is too late? – Bad Traffick by DV Berkom

DV Berkom is offering an ebook from her backlist to one individual commenter. International. Ends 8/11/15.

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FOR REVIEW

I am behind on reviews, so I told myself, “Self, NO!”

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WINNINGS

I won $5 Amazon GC and a Kindle copy of The House at the End of the Street by Jennie Jones in a Prism Tour Giveaway. Thanks guys for the great gifts.

Hope you had some come your way. 😀

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LAST WEEK ON fundinmental

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L Reid

Interview & Giveaway – Forbidden Things by Nikki McCormack

Cover Reveal: Cleansing Fire by Emily Mah

New Release: Seeing Evil by Jason Parent

Friday 56 #49 & BB #25 – What Shall We Tell the President by Jeffrey Archer

My Adventures – Sum, Sum Summer Time

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THIS WEEK ON fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves

Giveaway – Call of the Sea by Rebecca Hart

Teaser Tuesday

Dragonlove by Marc Secchia

Flesh an Blood by Patricia Cornwell

In the Drink by Allyson K Abbott

Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

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Hope you had a wonderful weekend. What have you been reading? Have you any plans for the upcoming week? 😆

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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’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Are you a tsu member?

I would love to keep in touch.

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

Posted on July 18, 2013 by fundinmental

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

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

Then his past came back to haunt him.

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

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

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

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

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ella Medler

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

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

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

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

FUTURE WORKS

Blood is Power (Book Two in the Hunter Series)

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

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

Deal With It – Tequila’s story

IN COLLABORATION WITH KRISTIE S. HAIGWOOD

Eternal Inception

CONTACT LINKS For Ella Medler

Blog / Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Book Trailer for Carlie M. A. Cullen’s Heart Search: Found, Book II – Told from the HEART

Posted on July 11, 2013 by fundinmental

Carlie M. A. Cullen’s Heartsearch: Found, Book II has arrived and so has the trailer. All I can say is WOW. I loved this trailer and it nearly broke my heart as I listened, bringing tears to my eyes. Now I know why the books are so outstanding. Thank you, Carlie, for sharing a heart breaking event of such a personal nature.

Check out this beauty and let Carlie tell you more with her exclusive excerpt below.

Blurb

One bite started it all . . .

Another mysterious disappearance sparks a frightening chain of events for Remy and her family. Events foretold come to pass, and more strange and alarming occurrences assail her life. Where can she turn?

Coven politics continue to threaten Joshua’s existence, but an even bigger menace looms

And Remy’s life hangs in the balance – can Joshua save her?

Fate still toys with mortals and immortals alike, as hearts torn apart by darkness confront perils which could lead to their doom.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US / Amazon UK

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT FROM HEARTSEARCH: FOUND, BOOK II

“NO!” we yelled in unison then Jakki continued, “Becky, trust me. It’s not safe – you mustn’t go out there.” Anxiety was etched into her features, overflowing into her tone. Becky raised one eyebrow, hesitating. She knew Jakki was particularly sensitive to elements around her and with her psychic abilities was virtually never wrong when she made comments with such conviction in her voice.

“So what do we do then?” Becky asked.

Jakki didn’t hesitate. “First, make sure all the doors and windows are locked, especially in the twin’s room, then we’ll go from there.” Without waiting for another comment, Jakki strode to the back door and checked it. I ran upstairs to the nursery while Becky checked the front door and lounge windows.

We were all seated again within minutes. Becky was the first to pierce the silence.

“So now what?”

Jakki raised her eyes. “There’s something not quite right. I sense danger, but not . . . evil. It’s weird. My spirit guides are saying that whoever is out there is tenacious and he’s not going to give up until he gets what he wants. The big question is what exactly does he want?” There was an edge to her voice we had never heard before and it made us anxious.

“So do we phone the police or what?” I asked, a frown crinkling my forehead and my lips tightening into a thin line.

Jakki stared at me as if searching for something in my face; a couple of minutes passed before she spoke.

“The police can’t really help you,” she replied sadly.

“What? Why not?” My voice rose an octave as I blurted out my questions.

“To be honest, I don’t think they can help with this, unless they’re willing to sit outside your house every night for the foreseeable future . . .” Pity clouded Jakki’s features as she stared at me from below her lashes.

“Jaks, please stop talking in riddles. What do you mean?” I was exasperated that she wasn’t giving me a straight answer and my tone was sharp.

Jakki glanced at Becky before turning her attention back to me. She stared directly into my eyes, her voice so quiet I had to strain to hear it.

“What I mean is . . . he’s not exactly . . . human.”

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BE SURE AND CHECK OUT CARLIES WEBSITE FOR MORE GOODIES!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlie M A Cullen

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

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

Carlie is also a professional editor.

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

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

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

Blog/Twitter/Facebook

If you haven’t read Heartsearch: Lost, Book I, Heartsearch: Found, Book II or The Other Way is Essex, simply click on the cover below to get your copy.

Check out these ladies blogs for more exclusive excerpts:

Donn Sadd

Maria V A Johnson

Joy Keeney

Deborah Jay

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.

Giveaway and Review of Shudder by Samantha Durante

Posted on July 10, 2013 by fundinmental

I love the covers for the Stitch trilogy. Be sure and scroll to my Review and the Giveaway below.

Shudder by Samanth Durante Blog Tour - June 15th to Sept 1st

Haven’t read the first book in the series? Check it out on Amazon and Goodreads. Just $0.99!

Genre/Keywords: Dystopian, Paranormal Romance, Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult, New Adult, Psychic Abilities, Empath, Clairvoyance, YA, NA

Length: ~80,000 words (348 pages)

Sample Chapters: Ch1-4 (31 pages)

Release Date: June 15th, 2013

Shudder Synopsis

It’s only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa’s life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she’d counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she’d thought she’d tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she’s discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering “stitch” unlocked something in Alessa’s mind, and now she can’t shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers – and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world’s sorry history – will soon leave Alessa reeling…

The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante’s shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.

Shudder Purchase Links

Amazon (Kindle $2.99, print $8.99)
Barnes & Noble (Nook $2.99)
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats $2.99)
Also available ($2.99 e-book) in the iTunes store, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold

EXCERPT

She heard one set of footsteps trail away from her doorway, and a moment later, a man stepped through.

He cleared his throat gruffly. Phoenix fluttered her eyelids, feigning disorientation from sleep before she finally settled her eyes on his.

He wasn’t a large man, but there was something intimidating about him, something dark. He was middle-aged, neat, not unattractive exactly, but there was something about his face that pushed her gaze away instead of drawing it towards him. His eyes, maybe. His eyes seemed to drink all the light from the room, flat and cold as they bored into her. Something about those eyes made her shudder inwardly.

She noticed that he was distractedly rubbing a long scar that slashed across his thin lips.

“You’re awake?” he groused.

As she sat up in bed, his eyes slithered quickly over her body, making her feel unclothed. She pulled the blanket up over her thin hospital gown.

“Y-yes,” she answered. Her voice was shaky, but she didn’t understand why. She steadied herself, and more forcefully she added, “And you are?”

He regarded her for a moment before answering in a low growl, “You can call me the General.”

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MY REVIEW OF SHUDDDER

Alessa is finally learning what the Stitch is all about.

Now, she has a mission. She wants to get it done so she can go home. She has no idea if Janie is dead or alive. It had broken her heart to leave her behind.

The Mission:

1. Find the rebels base.

2. Figure out who is the enemy.

3. Avoid the creatures.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

The cover for Shudder is very pretty. I like that the covers of the trilogy are similar.

Samantha Durante’s second book of the trilogy, Shudder, is another resounding hit. It has so many things going on that, at times, I was torn about where I wanted the story to go. There is much to decipher, while she weaves her way through the hidden pitfalls.

Alessa left Pargon and her sister behind her to be with Isaac. But she could not forget about Joe, even though it was jeopardizing her relationship with Isaac. I’m thinking there must be a reason that Joe is on her mind so much. Will we see him again?

The nuclear winter caused when the bombs fell created famines. As the viral epidemic decimated the population and people became more and more desperate to survive, there was a group of men who figured out a solution. But, it is not a solution that anyone in their right mind could believe would work. I wonder if the same would happen in the real world.

The saying: “History repeats itself” is so pertinent to the events happening to Alessa.

It makes me think of the Holocaust and and the evil that spawned from the minds of some evil men who thought they had all the answers. It, also, makes me think of American politics at this time, how a few can disregard the many, for their own gains.

It is amazing to me that the egos of some people allow them to think they have all answers and, therefore, have the right to play God.

The thought of a virus wiping out the majority of the Earth’s population is something real. Just think – due to rapid means of travel, a virus could be spread world-wide before it is even recognized. I have talked to a doctor who believes that is what will be our downfall.

Would our governments step in and decide who would live and who would die? What do you think?

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest and unbaised review. I was eagerly waiting for Book II of the Stich Trilogy and would have written the review regardless. Now I am waiting for Book III so I can see how Alessa’s story ends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series.

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To see my Review of Stitch, go HERE.

STITCH INFO

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees – and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell – Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn’t figured out yet is that she’s not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university’s idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface…

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.

Stitch Purchase Links.

Amazon (Kindle $0.99, print $8.99)
Barnes & Noble (Nook $0.99)
Smashwords (multiple e-book formats $0.99)
Also available ($0.99 e-book) in the iTunes store, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold!

GIVEAWAY

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WINNER of Absolution by Susan Fleet

Posted on May 25, 2013 by fundinmental

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of Absolution by Susan Fleet are:

Stephanie

Ari

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.

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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.

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.

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Review of Absolution by Susan Fleet

Posted on May 13, 2013 by fundinmental

This book will grab you from the first page and not let you go. Feelings of frustration, disgust, and anger will leave you panting for more. I kept wanting to yell, don’t open the door.

He was watching Dawn from his car, thinking of how she teased him. She was a sinner, not very bright, and she would be his fourth Absolution in New Orleans. He knew the police and FBI were after him but he felt God was watching over him .

The citizens were up in arms, wanting action. Racial tensions were high and they had just arrested a black man for being near the murder scene. Rona knew they were trying to pin it on a black guy, so she told Renzi about Kitty, her informant. She took Renzi to talk to her. Kitty claimed to be a psychic. He arranged for her to do an identikit, but before he left, she told him she thought the guy was a priest. He had made a sign, as if absolving her of her sins.

When Rona published the story stating a witness had escaped the Tongue Killer and described him as white and a priest, all hell broke loose and Renzi was in the middle of it. What would that mean for the witness?

Father Sean was very upset about Lynette. All the victims had been Catholic and he had told his housekeeper, Aurora, about seeing her talking to a young priest at the mall. When Father Sean approached him to talk to him, he had been very rude. She thought he should go to the police, but he had secrets of his own. The police and FBI would begin to question him, and his secrets would come out.

Father Sean Daily was doodling with the killers sketch while thinking of what would happen if he was exposed. Suddenly it dawned on him, it looked like………

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

I guess I must be a pretty sick person, because I love to read about serial killers. I feel they must be some of the most depraved animals, that are considered to be part of the human race. Murder and death are fascinating to me.

I feel the media tends to inflame the killers, by giving them the attention they crave. Giving them names – Son of Sam, BTK, Green Mile Killer, just to name a few. I think the media will go to any lengths to increase their bottom line. The reporter will lie and make things up to break a story, win a Pulitzer.That is only one of the evils involved. There are plenty more to go around.

Politics. What can I say about politics? High profile cases are used to climb the ladder of advancement. Some can only be promoted to the level of their incompetence. It is seen everywhere and in every walk of life.

This book includes all of the above. It will piss you off, as you read about Norris. And the media naming the serial killer – Tongue Killer. Susan seems to hit on a lot of the problems going on today in her books. I like that it makes it more real and stirs my emotions, sometimes to a fever pitch.

The Killer – he studied serial killers and liked that he had a name, because so many of them did. Of course, he thought he was smarter than the press, police and FBI. He had a mission. He had to expose the evil women. His goal for them was Absolution.

Norris is the biggest dick. Arrogant, know it all. A man I love to hate. He is disrespectful, bigoted, racist, and the boss. He will climb the ladder, by stepping on you. If you don’t get pissed off when you read about him, then you must be a better person than I.

Renzi and Norris are constantly butting heads. Renzi has to bite his tongue and watch Norris take the credit for his work. On top of that, his father is a judge and his expectations for Renzi are high.

Kenyon Miller, his partner, “Didn’t your daddy tell you never to pick fights with guys bigger than you?” Renzi, “Hell, no. When a damsel’s in distress, my father expects me to slay the dragon, no matter how big it is.”

What can I say about New Orleans? They don’t call it The Big Easy for nothing. You can tell that Susan loves the town and her years spent there. She also manages to work her love of Jazz into her stories. I have spent many a day – and night – in New Orleans and there is no other place like it.

Shotgun house – can shoot through the front door and out the back without hitting a wall. I had never heard of that, until I moved down south. I actually lived in a shotgun house, but it had been remodeled and a wall built to block the bullet. lol

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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

You can stalk Susan at the links below:

Website

Goodreads

You Tube

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

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Susan Fleet is offering for the Giveaway, 2 (two) ebooks for your reading pleasure. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question: