The Gods Have Spoken – Release Day for The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

Posted on February 13, 2014 by fundinmental

THE DEEP END OF THE SEA is a New Adult Fantasy set for release, today, February 13, 2014. You will see the Gods of mythology as you have never seen them before. The Deep End of the Sea is a story of rape, a curse, vengeance, love and sacrifice, one you need to add to your TBR pile!

I wanted so much to share this for my Teaser Tuesday, but because it is a new release, I had to wait until now. I hope you enjoy what I have to share as much as I enjoyed reading the book and writing this review.

A unique and intriguing love story that had me going off the Deep End.

About THE DEEP END OF THE SEA

Cover design: Carl Stevens / Cover Art: Kelsey Patton

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

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My Review of Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

I am the Gorgon, Medusa. And my eyes can turn anything living to stone.

This is my story.

The Deep End of the Sea cover swept me away and I dove in with eagerness. Heather Lyon’s descriptions of the Gods, doing and acting like ordinary people is graphic, detailed and very realistic. I love mythology and The Deep End of the Sea is a unique and refreshing love story that had my full attention from the first page to the last.

Medusa – Poseidon raped her, Athena cursed her and Hermes loved her. Danger surrounded her. She is a gentle soul before being turned into Medusa and that did not change. She loves modern electronics, her only contact with the outside world. She has been exiled to the island of Gorgon for the past two thousand years.

Mikkos is one of her only friends. He is blind, so she does not worry that he will turn to stone when he looks upon The Girls. He sells her temple relics, so she can purchase real everyday items and donate to worthy causes, trying to make up for the deaths she has caused. After freezing a human, I can visualize her moving the statue, trying to find the perfect spot for him. I can’t walk in her shoes because she is so damn nice.

Medusa talks about The Girls, her head of snakes. It is funny and sweet. Especially, I can picture Mikkos being allowed to feed and pet The Girls.

Hermes is Poseiden’s nephew and Athena’s brother. He does errands for Zeus and his uncle, Hades. He is determined to help Medusa have a life. He would talk to his dad, Olympus, and find out what would need to be done to reverse the curse. He shows the lengths “people” will go to to be with their soul mate. Heather Lyons describes it as imprinting, like werewolves do with their mates.

Medusa describes the girls actions – happy, unhappy, disapproving, excited, wriggling and trying to peak out from under the scarf she wears to hide them. Had me smiling and giggling as I develop the picture in my mind.

Heather’s descriptions are so vivid, I can picture Zues in a T-shirt, torn shorts and flip flops. Imagine sitting at a bar, not knowing a God is sitting beside you. It made me laugh out loud as she made their world blend into ours so realistically.

I love her detailed description of butterflies, but I would like for you to experience it yourself, so I will leave that for you to discover, along with so much more wonder in Medusa’s world.

I loved learning of our world through her eyes. Medusa is very knowledgeable, but after being isolated for two thousand years, she does not know how to fit in. How does she see our world, going from a two dimensional computer image to three dimensional reality? She is a total innocent in interaction with people, the crowds, restaurants, shopping, all the things we take for granted.

Oh no! NO! I didn’t see that coming. My heart breaks along with Medusa’s. I am crushed. What the hell, Heather? How can you do that to her, after all she has been through?

Usually, books about Gods and their mythological world can be confusing and heavy. Heather’s writing and Medusa’s world left me wanting more, a lot more. The characters came alive on the pages. I now see snakes as lively, fun and mischievous creatures. As I walked with Medusa, I began to see our world through her eyes. It is a scary and wonderful place and I would not want to be anywhere else.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Just a few fingers against his shoulder, but suddenly I’ve just stepped off a cliff and am soaring through the air, into the unknown after drowning in the deep sea for so long.

“Obviously, the reason I’ve yet to marry is because I was a recluse of a a monster living on an enchanted isle. Most may draw the line at scaly women whose hair can bite them during arguments and eyes which turn them into stone. Your turn.”

“You really don’t know, do you?”

I run. I kick. I punch. I listen. I write. I give. I live. Stars above, I love.

Heather Lyons would like to tell you, if you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual assault, you do not need to suffer in silence. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE, visit the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) website or connect with an online counselor to learn more about your options.

I received an arc ecopy in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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About Heather Lyons

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Stalk the Author at the links below:

Website / Author Goodreads / THE DEEP END OF THE SEA Goodreads

Twitter / Facebook

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To get your copy of The Deep End of the Sea or learn more about Heather Lyons, click on the cover below.

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GIVEAWAY

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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Undead Tour – Review & Giveaway – The Zombie West Trilogy by Angela Scott

Posted on February 5, 2014 by fundinmental

Get the Zombie West Omnibus on Amazon.

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Add the Zombie West Omnibus to your Goodreads to-read shelf!

ZOMBIES! The Wild West! Romance! Mayhem!

Angela Scott’s Zombie West Omnibus has all this, and more!

“…this is one of the most unique concepts I’ve come across.” —Brian, Amazon reviewer

“These books had me on the edge of my seat and at one point in book three I had to set the book down and pull myself out of the story so I wouldn’t cry.” —Emily Pearce, Amazon reviewer

“This series is one that will stay with you for a long time, prompting you to want to read it again and again.” —Tracy Haidle, Amazon reviewer

About the Zombie West Omnibus

The Wild West is hard enough to survive with its native territory, wanted outlaws, and harsh terrain, but with a plague turning civilized people into brain-eating monsters, survival becomes nearly impossible.

Red has lost everything to the fast-spreading disease: her family, her trust in mankind, and her hope for a better tomorrow. When she meets Trace, a smooth-talking gambling man who’s more city boy than cowboy, she’s forced down a path she’d been avoiding for years. Until his arrival, she’d lived by a certain set of rules—don’t ask names, keep to yourself, don’t let anyone too close—but the jackass of a man won’t let her be, and he has an uncanny knack for appearing at all the wrong times and in all the wrong places.

Each, with a secret of their own, will need to learn that only by working together do they have any chance of surviving The Zombie West.

That is, if they don’t kill each other first.

[Angela Scott’s Zombie West Omnibus includes the three books in the Zombie West series WANTED: DEAR OR UNDEAD, SURVIVOR ROUNDUP, and DEAD PLAINS. Find these books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and Smashwords.]

Genre classification: YA/Western Romance/Action and Adventure/ with added zombies for utter mayhem.

About Angela Scott

Angela Scott hears voices. Tiny fictional people sit on her shoulders and whisper their stories in her ear. Instead of medicating herself, she decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. She’s not crazy. She’s an author. For the most part, she writes contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, she found herself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West–and loving it. Her zombies don’t sparkle, and they definitely don’t cuddle. At least, she wouldn’t suggest it. She lives on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. She graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of her love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. She can’t spell, and grammar is her arch nemesis. But they gave her the degree, and there are no take backs.

Find Angela Scott on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Get the book!

Find the Zombie West Trilogy on Amazon.

Don’t forget to add the Zombie West Omnibus to your Goodreads to-read shelf.

Connect with Angela Scott on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

My Review of Dead Plains by Angela Scott

(To see my reviews for Wanted and Survivor, look for the links below the giveaway.)

Spoiler alert: This is the third book in the Trilogy.

Survivor Roundup left me hanging off the cliff by my fingertips and I was eager to get my hands on Dead Plains, Book III of the Zombie West Trilogy by Angela Scott.

“My child.”

What could he do about it? Not a damn thing.

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The Zombie West Series caught me so off guard, that I fell in love with it and Angela Scott’s writing. It is a unique and novel approach to Zombies, that will have you walking the plains, hand and hand with Red and her motley crew, desperately trying to survive.

Imagine walking, walking, walking, no destination just walking. Nowhere is safe. Now imagine doing it while nine months pregnant.

The characters were an unlikely bunch. In another time, they never would have met, let alone been friends and family. Alone, with everyone you ever knew dead or lost to you, you would be forced to trust. There is safety in numbers.

The characters lived life fully, their emotions strong and their needs directed their actions. They never knew when their life would end, or maybe begin – in another form.

Red is special and wanted. Some wanted her for good, others would stop at nothing to capture her, thinking she was their salvation.

Angela’s descriptions of the Zombies were amazing. They are called the Undead for a reason. I could see them shuffling along, being drawn from place to place by the smell of humans. Decomposing with every step they take.

The fights are graphic and gruesome. Guts spilling out, a knife through the chin, brains blown away and an arrow through the eye are only a few of the groups attempts to kill the Zombies.

Could you imagine needing clothes so badly, that you would strip them from the Undead? How long do you think it would take to get used to the smell, so you don’t want to vomit with every breath you take.

As the group pulled the Zombie from the river I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. Hilarious description – a rope around neck its neck and the horses pulling and pulling…..

I loved that Angela could add humor to so much gruesomeness. After all, no matter how desperate the times are, a smile or a laugh can give you hope.

The Zombie West Trilogy is a fantastic story of life and death, love and betrayal and trust and loyalty, after the world has gone to hell. The characters will have you laughing and crying as you walk through the Dead Plains with them. Every time you think of Zombies, you will want to pull out the Zombie West Trilogy and read it again. If you like Zombies, this is a Must Read!

5 Stars – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

“There would be a burial, and grieving, and somehow….they’d find a way to go on.”

“This was the best welcome back from the dead – woke up and puked.”

“…sometimes it is not meant for us to understand. Sometimes we are simply required to do.”

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To grab your copy of a Zombie West novel, or to learn more about Angela Scott, click on the cover below.

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.GIVEAWAY

The Zombie West Trilogy ebook

$10 Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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“Babies are super cute – until they want to eat you.” Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott

I take my hat off to this Zombie Western – Survivor Roundup, Book II of the Zombie West Series, by Angela Scott

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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Do you believe in the boogeyman? – When The Dead Whisper by Tara Neideffer – Review & Giveaway

Posted on February 4, 2014 by fundinmental

“Every little girl thinks there’s a Boogeyman in her room at night don’t they?”

When The Dead Whisper by Tara Neideffer is a riveting ghost story that left me screaming for more.

The whispers, “the rope ties us all.”

The whispers, “find the truth.”

The whispers, “….It’s time for you to see.”

The whispers, “It’s time to end this.”

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When The Dead Whisper immediately brought to mind the Ghost Whisperer. I love ghosts and a novel that has the main character able to see and talk to them is on the top of my to read list. I am ambivalent about ghosts. How about you? Do you believe?

A feeling of expectation and angst followed me throughout the book. I was on pins and needles, walking carefully through the pages. Waiting, waiting. Knowing it’s coming.

Knowing he’s coming? Is there a serial killer on the loose? In Danvers?

The writing was intense and at times humorous, lending the story a sense of reality and allowing the characters to seem as if they could be your next door neighbor. Tara Neideffer describes the ghost in such detail, I can see her standing in the doorway, beseeching me to help her.

I felt it was a great touch and I couldn’t help but laugh at Tara’s description of Mia and Ryan coming into her messed up apartment. Ryan thought there had been an intruder.

“Anyway, right there is the burglar.” It was Cyprus, her black cat.

When The Dead Whisper centers around a tattoo shop, Irish Ink. Tara creates some quirky and unique characters.

Mia is a beer drinking, regular every day girl, who just happens to be a tattoo artist. Oh, and ghosts talk to her.

Ryan’s persistence – coming to her work place, asking her out for months, wearing her down, should get the girl. He was growing on me and I began to root for him, wanting Mia to choose him. But…..I kept having doubts about Ryan and Tara’s writing kept me guessing. Is he good or bad?

Mia could choose between two guys, but I was kept unsure and guessing. It’s him, no it’s him, no it’s him.

Mia kept seeing the letter L. I was reading along, a bit on edge, but when she goes to Leslie’s Designs the shit really hits the fan. I was so terrified for her that I was racing through the pages having to know that she will be okay. Of course she will, it’s a novel and she’s the main character. I thought the L represented one thing, but it was another. I love it when I cannot figure the answers to my questions until they are sitting right in front of me and Tara does that extremely well. When it comes together, I feel such a sense of relief, as if I have been holding my breath.

The only thing I didn’t like about When The Dead Whispers – it ended.

5 Stars – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received When The Dead Whisper from Tara Neideffer in return for an honest and unbiased review. I had read Deadly Road (see review link below), Tara Neideffer’s debut novel, and was blown away, so I was more than happy to read another piece of her work. I am now a huge fan of Tara’s and the Mia Rushton Series. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next one, which is being written as we speak.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Neideffer loves everything that has to do with the paranormal. She grew up reading Stephen King novels and watching horror novels. Deadly Road is her first paranormal novel. She is currently working on her next novel which will be a paranormal series.

In her free time she likes to spend time with her husband, daughter and step-son and sometimes go ghost hunting.

To find Tara Neideffer, you don’t need paranormal abilities, just look below.

Blog / Facebook / Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY

Tara Neideffer is offering 3 (three) ebooks for international readers. Entry is easy. Leave your email and answer the question:

“Do you believe in the boogeyman?”

Giveaway ends February 18, 2014.

To get your copy of a Tara Neideffer novel, click on the cover below.

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One Fateful Mistake and………….5 STAR Review of Deadly Road by Tara Neideffer

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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Exquisite Betrayal by A M Hargrove

Posted on January 7, 2014 by fundinmental

A M Hargrove is a fantastic author and I am always happy to share her books with my readers.

Check out the fantastic giveaway A M Hargrove is offering at the end of the post.

BOOK SUMMARY:

A male Romance Author… a convention in Vegas… a female book blogger… a goal to lose her virginity… what happens when you mix all the above?

Fallon McKinley is headed to Vegas for the Wicked Wenches Romance Con and losing her virginity is only one of her goals. The other is to meet her favorite author of romance novels, R.T. Sinclair. What she doesn’t realize is that the sexy green-eyed god she rams into at the airport is the real R.T. When they keep running into each other, she’s shocked, but excited, because the attraction is irresistible.

Ryland Thomas Sinclair doesn’t want anyone to know his true identity. He’s the author that all women love, but everyone thinks he’s a female. He hides his persona behind the public face of his twin sister, keeping his own a secret. But after meeting the lovely Fallon, his intentions to avoid a relationship come to a screeching halt. She’s put an unwanted kink into his perfectly laid out plans. His unusual reaction surprises him because after a heart-shredding breakup a few years ago, he’s managed to avoid women at all costs.

Resisting Fallon becomes more difficult than he imagines. Soon things are spiraling out of control, until a major miscommunication has Fallon walking out of his home and his life. Will Ryland Thomas succeed in losing the woman he loves? Or can he win her back?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon / B&N/ Smashwords/ iTunes

Exquisite Betrayal Teaser #7

Who knew that five minutes of walking at seven-fifteen in the morning could turn five perky women into five sweaty, dripping, angry, whining bitches?

We walk inside the convention center and the AC smacks us like a freezer. In minutes, we’re all shivering because our clothing and hair are soaked. We look at each other and shake our heads.

Kat looks down at her chest. “Don’t say it. Just don’t.” She’s referring to our chests. We all have our brights on.

“Aw fuck,” Amanda and I say simultaneously. As a team, we all enter the large room with our arms crossed over our chests.

“How are we going to carry our coffee and croissants?” Mandy asks as she shakes from the cold.

“I’m not eating,” Andrea replies.

“Neither am I,” I agree. “Let’s just grab a seat. Maybe when we dry off, things will flatten back out.”

We find seats as close to the front as possible and plop our wet and now frosty butts down. I want to huddle close to both my neighbors as I shiver, but of course, I don’t.

“Bloody hell, I’m freezing,” Andrea mutters.

“I know, right?” Kat answers as she scans the room, taking in the faces of the other guests.

Hopping to my feet, I announce, “Headlights be damned. I’m going for some coffee. Can I get y’all some?” Four sets of greedy eyes look at me, begging for some java. “Okay, I’ll do my best.”

I hurry to the coffee stand and quickly make five cups. Making sure to put the lids on tightly, I stack them up and slowly head back to the room. Not paying attention to where I’m going because I’m juggling five towers of java, I do the unthinkable and bash into someone.

As I stumble, the cups tip against me and coffee starts to dribble out of the openings and then they go all topsy-turvy on me. I watch in horror as the catastrophe unfolds before my eyes.

The lids fly off and then I’m screeching as the scorching fluid hits my skin. My hands let the rest of the cups loose and fly to my chest as I attempt to stop the burning.

“Shit,” I hear and then someone is dragging me to the bathroom and putting cold towels on me. I’m not paying attention to anything except the stinging of my skin. The cold water begins to ease the pain. I wave my hands in front of me and then get a good look at the damage. My white t-shirt is now caramel colored and the V of my chest is bright pink.

“Does it still burn?”

Oh no! That accent. I’d recognize it anywhere. I lift my head and lock onto Green Eyes himself.

Shit, shit, double shit.

“We really have to stop meeting like this,” he says, trying to inject a bit of humor into the situation.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.M. Hargrove One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include the following: Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge and Kissing Fire (The Edge Series); The Guardians of Vesturon series (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, reEmergent and Beginnings); Dark Waltz and Tragically Flawed.

Other than being in love with writing about being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Author Links:

Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Author Goodreads / Pinterest

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GIVEAWAY

Win a bracelet, a “She Said Fire” t-shirt & Boom! EP album download, signed copy of Tragically Flawed, & $100 Amazon Gift Card.

Share some love with A M Hargrove and leave a comment or question for her.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow the tour by clicking on the banner below.

To get your copy of Exquisite Betrayal, or another A M Hargrove novel, click on the cover below.

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Super Sale for Exquisite Betrayal by A M Hargrove

Posted on January 6, 2014 by fundinmental

I am happy to be able to share this fantastic sale for Exquisite Betrayal by A M Hargrove.

A male Romance Author… a convention in Vegas… a female book blogger… a goal to lose her virginity… what next? Find out when you mix all the above!

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords / iTunes

To pick up your copy of Exquisite Betrayal or another A M Hargrove novel, click on the cover below.

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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 at Home and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hot New Romance Release – Exquisite Betrayal by A M Hargrove – FANtastic Giveaway

Posted on December 17, 2013 by fundinmental

BOOK SUMMARY:

A male Romance Author… a convention in Vegas… a female book blogger… a goal to lose her virginity… what happens when you mix all the above?

Amazon / B&N / Smashwords / iTunes

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what laptop out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

Other than being in love with writing about being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Author Goodreads

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To pick up your copy of Exquisite Betrayal or another A M Hargrove novel, click on the cover below.

~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

Win a bracelet, a “She Said Fire” t-shirt & Boom! EP album download, a signed copy of Tragically Flawed, & $100 Amazon Gift Card.

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 at Home and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No Maddie, you are not in Heaven and you cannot go Home – Survival by A. M. Hargrove

Posted on October 18, 2013 by fundinmental

An epic story of romance and science fiction that is out of this world.

I won some of A. M. Hargrove’s books on her blog a while back. I am so glad that I got the first three books in this series. I wanted to read one, review one, read another, review another, but I couldn’t quit. I must go on! So I read them all, except for the newly released ReEmergent, which I will be reading very soon. Follow fundinmental for the upcoming reviews of the rest of the series.

Beginnings, the Prequel Novella for the Guardians of Vesturon and Survival, Book I of the Guardians of Vesturon are free. Grab your copies and dive into the wonderful world of A M Hargrove.

A M Hargrove is offering the rest of the series for the giveaway at the end of the post.

There is another giveaway going for Tragically Flawed. Scroll down to the end of the post for the link.

Maddie awoke to a winter wonderland in the Smoky Mountains. She made snow angels, feeling like she was in heaven. She knew she needed to head down the trail, so she packed up and began walking. She saw the tracks in the snow and thought it was lucky for her that she wasn’t all alone in the forest. Until she met HIM.

My mother had died in car accident when I was 11. My father and I were close and we loved to hike the Smoky Mountain Trails. He taught me everything I would need to know to survive in the wild. While still in high school, my father died of a heart attack. Now I was truly alone.

I wanted to go to a college that was close to the Smoky Mountain trails that I loved so much. My first day at college, I was happy when Cat and I hit it off so quickly. I thought how lucky I was that Cat loved hiking too. But Cat was going home for Christmas, so I would be backpacking alone for New Years.

Darryl had come to the Smoky Mountains to hunt and it wasn’t four legged prey he was after. It was Maddie’s bad luck to meet him on the trail.

Because of a lax moment, I had been caught off guard. I fought to pull myself together and control my wild thoughts. If I was to survive, I would have to use everything I knew.

He had laughed as he tortured me. How could someone be so evil? The pain overwhelmed me and I grew weaker by the second. I knew my time was running out. I couldn’t take much more. If I was going to make a move, it would have to be now.

I knew I was going over the cliff. I couldn’t save myself. I knew I would not survive.

The lights woke me. Am I in heaven?

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“There are many things that are possible, if you only believe.”

A beautiful cover that quickly drew me into Maddie’s story of love, romance, tragedy and SURVIVAL.

All I have to see is serial killer and I will pick up the book. I knew this was going to be so much more than that. I couldn’t see how it would get to the sci-fi part, but Anne Hargrove’s writing made the story flow smoothly and seem so real, that I couldn’t put the book down.

If there are aliens, they would have to be so much more advanced than us. Who is to say what is out there. The Universe is a large place. Why are we so arrogant to think we are the only ones?

I can’t begin to describe the brutality of the attack on Maddie and the subsequent torture. Her strength and determination are qualities to be admired and Anne does a fantastic job in describing the scenes in detail. I can only think that it was her will to live that kept her alive long enough for a chance encounter to save her.

I know the answer to the mystery of her rescuer is coming and I am very curious.

I was so involved in the story, I couldn’t take the time to make notes.

As I try to put myself in her place, I can’t help but hope I would respond as well as she did.

Vesturions: “We are the peacekeepers of the universe, not the destroyers.”

To understand how the Vesturions fall in love so quickly, I must explain. Vesturions bond to their soul-mate and it is for life. It is a physical thing and it consumes them. They have a high regard and reverence for their mate. To a human it would seem they are overly possessive and that could cause many problems. I chuckle as I think about the things in store for a man of Vesturon who dares to fall in love with a human, especially one as strong and independent as Maddie.

A M Hargrove’s description of Maddie dancing made me think of Elaine on Friends. I could picture it in my mind as I laughed. The book contains a lot of humor and it is woven into the story so well it seems as if I am a part of it, laughing along with the characters.

Maddie tries to explain our sayings and slang to the Vesturions:

animal that ate the bird – cat that swallowed the canary

cow in a glass store – bull in a china shop

feel like we are heading into the wolves – being fed to the wolves

When I got to the last page, the last paragraph, the last sentence, the last word, I couldn’t stop. This book has an awesome cliffhanger. I HAD to know what would happen. So I grabbed the next book and jumped right in. And the next book.

Again I would like to thank Anne Hargrove for the giveaway that brought Survival and the Guardians of Vesturon to me!

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Image of A.M. Hargrove One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

Boss: Hello

A.M.: Boss, is that you?

Boss: Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?

A.M.: Er… right. Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.

Boss: Why ever would I want to do that?

A.M.: Because I quit!

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

A.M.: Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?

Hubs: Sure… Having some car trouble?

A.M.: Not at all. I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.

Hubs: WHAT?!

A.M.: It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as an author of self-published books. Her books include the Young Adult/New Adult series, The Guardians of Vesturon (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant and the novella Beginnings) and the Adult novels Dark Waltz (A Praestani Novel) and Edge of Disaster. (It didn’t happen exactly like that, but you get the idea!)

Stalk A M Hargrove

A.M. Hargrove, Author / A.M.’s Blog / Edge of Disaster / The Guardians of Vesturon

Dark Waltz, A Praestani Novel / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

To purchase your copy of any of A.M.Hargrove’s books, simply click on the cover below.

To see my 5 STAR review and to enter the fantastic Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed, go HERE.

My Review for Edge of Disaster

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos A M Hargrove has the first two books, Beginninngs and Survival free. She is offering for the giveaway the rest of The Guardians of Vesturon Series – Resurrection, Determinant and ReEmergent. Giveaway is International. Entry is easy peasy. Simple leave your email and answer the question:

Do you believe in Aliens?

Giveaway ends November 4, 2013.

WINNER!! The winner is Georgiann.

Congratulations and happy reading. I hope you enjoy the Survival Series as much as I did!

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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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review/Top 10 Vacation Spots for Tragically Flawed by A M Hargrove

Posted on October 8, 2013 by fundinmental

I am very excited to be a part of Ink Slinger’s blog tour for Tragically Flawed by A M Hargrove.

I have a lot to share with you, so I hope you will take a couple of minutes to browse through the post and enjoy all that A M Hargrove has to share with you.

Have a chuckle as you read her biography.

Tour her Top 10 Vacation Spots and let us know – what is your favorite vacation destination?

Be sure to enter the awesome Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed.

Title: Tragically Flawed

Author: A.M. Hargrove

Expected release date: September 23ish, 2013

Age Group: Mature New Adult

Cover designed by: Amber McNemar

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BLURB

Riviera Benson’s past has been nothing but horrific. It’s filled with secrets that she intends to keep tightly locked away…terrifying secrets that keep her awake at night…that prevent her from getting close to anyone…anyone that is, until her work as a muralist drives her into the arms of the hot and sexy Shan.

Benjamin Shandon, owner of Shandon Homes, works like a thousand demons are chasing him…because perhaps they are. His business has boomed, ever since the forest fire swept through the canyon and destroyed hundreds of million dollar homes. He demands excellence in everything…from his employees to his women. He slows down for nothing, keeping a schedule that no sane person would want. But Riviera interrupts everything, twisting his guts inside out, and wedging her way into his heart, destroying a promise he made to himself.

Will they let their pasts control their future, or will they decide to let go and allow their hearts to discover each other’s?

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BUY LINKS

Amazon l Barnes and Nobles l Smashwords

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MY REVIEW

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under.

Tragically Flawed got so hot, the ice melted in my margarita glass. LOL

I never read a lot of romance, until I started blogging. I have found authors that I love, so I read anything they write. A M Hargrove is one of those authors. I really enjoy her stories and writing style. I was very pleasantly surprised with Tragically Flawed.

It is Riviera’s rags to riches story. A story of her ability to rise above her tragedies and find love and friendship from the wonderful people who enter her life when she leaves her abusive live-in boyfriend and starts her life over in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Annie has a fantastic sense of humor and a mind blowing imagination in the romance department. Makes me wonder where all that hotness comes from. Care to share, Annie?

Riviera – She has no education. She is a middle class worker. She is beautiful and trendy – tattoos, blue or pink tints in her hairs. She carries many scars, both physical and mental. She has been on her own since she was sixteen. Even though her life has been tough and people have treated her badly, she still feels people are good. She is the eternal optimist.

Amie, Riviera’s roommate, is the best. She works at Shelby’s Shack, a women’s shelter and has a very special gift – patience.

Shan – He is a construction mogul. Physically fit, built like a Greek God. He wants no relationship. He has enough baggage of his own, but he falls for Riviera when he first sets eyes on her.

Jasper was her live-in boyfriend. He is a horrendous abuser. She feels she is lucky to have lived through her time with him. He is a steroid raging weight lifter.

Marsha Sue – She is a tyrant. Riviera’s first job in Beaver Creek is with her and she is an awful employer. Have you ever had one?

When Riviera finally stood up for herself against Marsha Sue, I felt like clapping and jumping up and down. Way to go girl.

QUOTES

“Sometimes being a gentleman was a damn bitch.”

“No one likes Marsha Sue. She’s meaner than a rattlesnake.”

“I’d rather have a root canal than go out with her.”

“I am broken, Shan. And I’m flawed.”

“We’re all flawed, Riviera. You’ve experienced something tragic, but it didn’t break you.”

“Riviera suddenly felt like a stack of hot buttermilk pancakes and Shan’s voice was the warm maple syrup running all over her, dripping down her sides and seeping into every pore.” How hot is that? What are you thinking right at this very moment?

I had tears in my eyes when Shan finally got through to Riviera and she talked to him.

Tragically Flawed read like a fairy tale come true. It made me think of Pretty Woman, even though Riviera is not a prostitute. We all want to believe in fairy tale endings, don’t we?

I am so anal, I read almost every word in a book, cover to cover, The font in the chapter headings was hard to read. LOL

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

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

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I am very happy to share A M Hargrove’s Top Ten Vacation Destinations with you and I would like to thank Annie for taking the time from her busy schedule to visit with us today.

Welcome, Annie.

Top 10 Vacation Destinations…

1. Vail, Colorado. If any of you’ve read any of my books, you’ll see a bit of this in some of them, and it’s the setting (well, actually Beaver Creek, Vail’s uppity neighbor) for Tragically Flawed. There’s a reason for this and that is I love to ski. I’ve skied in many places in the US and even in Europe and Vail/Beaver Creek still tops them all in my opinion.

Poppyfields East and West– heading to the back bowls.

2. St. John, USVI. Love, Love, Love this place. I think only 20% of the island is developed and that’s because the Rockefellers donated the rest of it to be made into the USVI National Park. This prevents overcrowding and the place is unreal. You can rent a jeep and drive along a curvy, scenic mountain road and then hit a beach that only has a handful of other sunbathers there. The water is typical Caribbean aqua and you can see clear to your toes, no matter how deep you swim. Snorkeling and scuba diving are amazing too.

Painkiller anyone?

3. St. Martin/St. Maarten. Half Dutch, half French makes this Caribbean getaway an amazing destination. The food, beaches, and duty-free shopping are all spectacular. And like St. John, the snorkeling and diving are awesome too.

4. Cabo San Lucas. Ahhh, Cabo. Love this place, especially the sunset cruises. Admittedly, I prefer the Caribbean Sea over the Sea of Cortez, but the rugged beauty of the coastline is breathtaking. Where the Caribbean is soothing and gentle, the Sea of Cortez is turbulent and awe-inspiring. You often see El Arco, the famous arch in photo shoots for various products, and when you first lay eyes on it, you get why.

It’s even better in person.

5. Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. Posh, elegant, beautiful, pristine, friendly, but DON’T drive. The streets are CRAZY!!

Easy to get lost!

6. Tuscany. Not enough to time to say what I need to. Don’t go for a week. You’ll get the urge to go back for longer. It gets in your blood and stays there. And don’t stop inland. Head to the beaches in Lucca—they’re awesome.

7. Turkey. Haven’t been, so I can’t say how great it is, but everything I’ve heard says it’s spectacular.

8. The Greek Isles. Same as above. This is on my bucket list.

9. Bora Bora. I want to go here for one of my anniversaries and stay in one of these bungalows over the water. How romantic would that be???

10. Thailand, Viet Nam and Nepal. I know that’s 3 but I had to throw them out there! And no, I don’t want to climb Mt. Everest. But I would like to see it in the distance.

Thailand (is that a tree or a rock?)

Viet Nam

Nepal (Mt. Everest)

My favorite vacation destination so far has been pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean. There is something special about the water, the beaches and the people. I have yet to visit our very own Keys in Southern Florida, but it is the number one destination on my bucket list. What is yours?

Well, Annie, I loved traveling the world with you and I raise my Painkiller in a toast – Happy Travels! I want to thank you again for sharing with us. Have a great day and Happy Reading!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include Kissing Fire, Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge, the series the Guardians of Vesturon (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, Beginnings and reEmergent), Dark Waltz and the upcoming release Tragically Flawed.

Other than being in love with being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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To get your copy of A M Hargroves books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the fantastic Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed, click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway link below.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

It is not required, but feel free to share with us your favorite vacation destination. I would love to hear your travel stories. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for visiting fundinmental.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

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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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sizzling Hot – Edge of Disaster by A M Hargrove – With Freebies

Posted on October 2, 2013 by fundinmental

A M Hargrove is having a tour for her newest release, Tragically Flawed. I have read several of her books and will be treating you to a sampling of her work, starting with Edge of Disaster and culminating in my tour post for Tragically Flawed on October 8, 2013.

So, without further ado, let’s talk about Edge of Disaster.

First off, Edge of Disaster by A M Hargrove is Free.

So is Beginnings, the Prequel Novella for the Guardians of Vesturon and Survival, Book I of the Guardians of Vesturon. So grab your copies and dive into the wonderful world of A M Hargrove.

I don’t know for how long, so check for the “0”.

If you think the cover is hot, wait until you meet Pearce Middleton.

It had been three years since Peter died. I had no respect or love for myself. I had been partying so hard, I woke up in bed between two guys I had never seen before. If I kept this up, I would probably wind up dead myself.

I worked at Camellias as a waitress. I was assigned to work a big party that was going on. I went around taking drink orders and paused when I heard, Grey goose extra dirty martini with extra olives. My favorite drink.

I looked into the most gorgeous, sexy gray eyes I’d ever seen and stopped dead in my tracks. I shook it off and went about my work. As smokey eyes left, he tipped me two hundred dollar bills and gave me his business card, saying call him. I looked at the card – H. Pearce Middleton. Could he be one of those Middletons?

I left work and started walking home. All of a sudden, an arm went around my neck and cut off my air supply. I fought back as hard as I could, but he slugged me and I lost consciousness.

I was picked up on the side of the road and taken to the Medical University. Pearce was called in, but when he saw it was me, he arranged for someone else to treat my injuries. He stayed by my side, holding my hand the whole time.

Pearce pursued me, but I felt I didn’t deserve him. I tried to avoid him, but if I didn’t answer my phone, he would text me, telling me, “You can run but you can’t hide, lol!”

Could I allow myself to be happy? Could I ever find the strength to forgive myself and allow myself to be loved? Would I live the rest of my life thinking I was unworthy, ruined and unclean? I felt I was undeserving of the love being offered to me. I was on the Edge of Disaster. Could he save me?

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My Review of Edge of Disaster by A M Hargrove

Romance is not a genre of book that I generally pick up, but A. M. Hargrove knows how to create a story of love, lust and humor. The plot involves revenge, guilt, love and friendship. Read along as Alexia rebuilds her life and learns to forgive herself.

Be sure and read her bio and you will get a glimpse of her personality and her sense of humor. I smile every time I read it.

I liked the reference to Vampires. She was the opposite, when it got dark, she got scared and ran home.

I love to watch Nascar, so when she talked about the Charlotte Motor speedway, the number 88 and Junior it caught my attention. Anyone that knows Nascar will recognize that name, even though Jeff Gordon, 24, is my personal favorite. ^_^

No matter how many times I watch this video, I cannot help but bust out laughing!!!!

A M had me laughing out loud when she described Alexia in the hospital and having to go to the bathroom. I could picture the scene and Alexia’s facial expression in my mind. Of course, I am not going to tell you what happened. You will have to read it for yourself.

Alexia: It wasn’t that she had low self-esteem, she had no self-esteem, no self respect. She was reckless and beautiful. Pearce wasn’t the only one who wanted her.

Pearce described her as a scared bunny. He was persistent, gentle and kind. He had gorgeous, sexy gray eyes, was HOT and rich. And in love with Alexia.

“Okay………. Pearce Middlton. You know my life was on the Edge of Disaster before you walked in………………”

I won some of A. M. Hargrove’s books in a giveaway and she added this to the box, as a little something extra. And, on top of that, she signed them. I love adding all books to my collection, but signed ones hold a special place. Thank you A. M.

3 STARS – Would Recommend To Others

I have read Survival, Book 1 of The Guardians of Vesturon and I am in love already. I realized there was a Prequel, so it’s back to the Beginnings. Keep in touch for my upcoming reviews of more novels from A M Hargrove.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.M. Hargrove One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.”
“Boss, is that you?”
“Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?”
“Er… right. Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.”
“Why ever would I want to do that?”
“Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?”
“Sure… Having some car trouble?”
“Not at all. I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.”
“WHAT?!”
“It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks. Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. Survival is her first book in the series and her second, Resurrection will be released in January.
If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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To get your copy of A M Hargroves books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

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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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Hot New Book – Tragically Flawed by A M Hargrove

Posted on September 24, 2013 by fundinmental

A M Hargrove’s new release, Tragically Flawed, is so HOT, it will have your Kindle smoking.

Be sure to scroll through the post and enter the fantastic Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed.

Title: Tragically Flawed

Author: A.M. Hargrove

Expected release date: September 23ish, 2013

Age Group: Mature New Adult

Cover designed by: Amber McNemar

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BLURB

Riviera Benson has a talent…one she discovered by accident. She’s a painter, but canvas isn’t her medium. She creates her lovely masterpieces on walls and ceilings of million dollar homes as murals and faux finishes. Her art is in high demand now, but life wasn’t always that way. Riviera has secrets from her past she intends to keep tightly locked away…terrifying secrets that keep her awake at night…that prevent her from getting close to anyone…anyone that is, until she meets Shan.

Will they let their pasts control their future, or will they decide to let go and allow their hearts to discover each other’s?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUY LINKS

Amazon l Barnes and Nobles l Smashwords

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

Other than being in love with being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

To get your copy of A M Hargroves books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

To enter the fantastic Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed., click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway link below.