What happens after you die? Thereafter by Terri Bruce – Giveaway

Posted on May 1, 2014 by fundinmental

I was supposed to have a review ready for the tour, but due to a family emergency, I have not finished reading Thereafter by Terri Bruce.

Please keep your eyes open for the review in the very near future.

Thereafter (Afterlife Book 2) by Terri Bruce

Genre: Contemporary fantasy/paranormal

Publisher: Mictlan Press

Date of Publication: May 1, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-9913036-2-5 (print) / ISBN: 978-0-9913036-3-2 (ebook)

Number of pages: 318

Word Count: 99,000

Cover Artist: Artwork by Shelby Robinson; cover layout by Jennifer Stolzer

Book Description

When recently-deceased Irene Dunphy decided to “follow the light,” she thought she’d end up in Heaven or Hell and her journey would be over.

Boy, was she wrong.

She soon finds that “the other side” isn’t a final destination but a kind of purgatory where billions of spirits are stuck, with no way to move forward or back. Even worse, deranged phantoms known as “Hungry Ghosts” stalk the dead, intent on destroying them. The only way out is for Irene to forget her life on earth—including the boy who risked everything to help her cross over—which she’s not about to do.

As Irene desperately searches for an alternative, help unexpectedly comes in the unlikeliest of forms: a twelfth-century Spanish knight and a nineteenth-century American cowboy. Even more surprising, one offers a chance for redemption; the other, love. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to have either if she can’t find a way to escape the hellish limbo where they’re all trapped.

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Author’s Note

I am THRILLED beyond all measure to finally be able to bring you Thereafter, and I want to thank all the fans who have waited (more or less patiently) an extra year for this book to finally come out. Thereafter would not have been possible without your support—thank you all! I hope you love this beautiful new cover as much as I do, and I hope you find Thereafter to be worth the wait.

Excerpt

Her hand touched a rock, one of the flat beach stones she’d seen on graves. She picked it up, laying it flat in her palm. She didn’t remember picking this up. In fact, she had been careful not to take any. It had seemed disrespectful and too much like stealing to remove them, and while she’d seen a few here—both loose and piled in cairns—she hadn’t picked any of them up. There had been no point. What would she do with a rock?

No wonder her bag was so heavy.

She tossed the rock over her shoulder and heard it hit the ground with a satisfying thud some distance away. It felt good to be rid of something, to make a decision and be sure it was the right one.

She surveyed the pile again and then grabbed a small handful of paper animals. She picked one up between a finger and thumb. It was a horse. Irene had been in Chinatown during Chinese Ghost Festival, a holiday in which the living left offerings for the dead. These offerings included paper replicas of things people thought the dead would need in the afterlife—money, clothes, television sets, and even animals. Irene had admired the precise and delicate folds of the Origami figures and had picked some up to admire them more closely. Without thinking, she had dropped them into her bag and apparently been carrying them ever since.

Well, even Jonah couldn’t argue with her on this—there was no way she was going to need a paper horse on her journey through the afterlife. Plus, these didn’t hold any sentimental value. She cast the horse onto a nearby fire and watched as the paper curled and blackened in the low-burning flames.

The fire leapt and seemed to glow blue for a moment. Irene tensed—what was happening?

Thick black smoke began to rise slowly from the flames, spiraling upward in a thickening column. The smoke grew denser and then elongated sideways. Irene leapt to her feet and backed away, her heart pounding. Something was forming in the fire.

The smoke was taking shape now; there was purpose and design in its movements. She could see a long, horizontal back, four legs, a neck, and finally a head and a tail. The smoke swirled with a final flourish and then shuddered into the solidity of a smoke-colored horse. The animal blinked passively. Then it violently shook its head, blew out a breath, and delicately picked its way forward out of the fire. It immediately put its head down and began to lip the ground, looking for food.

Irene stared stupidly at it. “Are you shitting me?”

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About the Author

Terri Bruce has been making up adventure stories for as long as she can remember. Like Anne Shirley, she prefers to make people cry rather than laugh, but is happy if she can do either. She produces fantasy and adventure stories from a haunted house in New England where she lives with her husband and three cats.

Website/Blog / Goodreads Profile / Facebook Fan Page

Twitter / Amazon Author Page

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Would You Like A Glimpse of the Afterlife? Review of Hereafter by Terri Bruce

To get your copy of Hereafter or learn more about Terri Bruce, click on the cover below.

Get you Amazon copy of Thereafter by clicking on the cover below.

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GIVEAWAY

2 $50 Amazon gift cards

5 signed paperback copies of Thereafter (U.S./Canada Only)

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.

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Are four legs better than two – Murder in the Dog Park by Jill Yesko – Giveaway

Posted on April 24, 2014 by fundinmental

Murder in the Dog Park/Dog Spelled Backwards by Jill Yesko

Ms. Yesko is skilled as a writer…
~rantin’ ravin and reading

Murder in the Dog Park
Mystery
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Baxter World Publishing (May 28, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0985485207
File Size: 242 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
ASIN: B00A10IU7O

Synopsis

Discovering a brutally murdered boy in a rainy dog park sends misanthropic private detective Jane Ronson on a journey through Baltimore’s gritty underbelly. Aided by a sexy cop, a bad-ass bull terrier, and an only-in-Baltimore cast of characters, Jane must use her computer-hacking and street-fighting skills to save her only family member from being framed as the killer.

Dog Spelled Backwards: An Unholy Mystery
Mystery
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Baxter World Publishing (August 17, 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-0985485214
File Size: 1355 KB
Print Length: 118 pages
ASIN: B00FDXQVO8

Synopsis

Private investigator Jane Ronson suffers from oppositional defiant disorder, the uncontrollable urge to punch first then ask questions later. When a rabbi with a shady past offers her a bag of cash to spy on a rival rabbi, Jane jumps at the chance to make what think will be easy money. To get her cash, Jane impersonates an Orthodox Jewish woman and infiltrates a black market kidney ring in Baltimore’s Orthodox community. Between Russian gangsters and double crosses, Jane is number one on everyone’s hit list. To save her life, she forms an alliance with a religious woman and confronts a family.

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GUEST POST

I would like to thank Jill for stopping in to share her thoughts.

It’s All Your Fault Nancy Drew

Like many girls, I grew up hooked on the Nancy Drew series. During my pre-teen and teenage years, I plowed through the series with an almost religious fervor.

Although I can’t recall the specifics of the books—what was The Ringmaster’s Secret? Who was The Invisible Intruder? – what sticks out in my mind is how much I enjoyed them. I couldn’t wait for the next installment of those yellow-spined books with exotic titles like The Password to Larkspur Lane or The Moonstone Castle Mystery. I spent many afternoons eating pretzel sticks and curled up with Nancy, her perpetual best friend Bess, and Bess’s tomboy cousin George.

Forty years later, looking at book covers depicting Nancy in a prim dress, Patty Duke Show hairdo, clutching a flashlight, her peaches and cream face captured in thoughtful pose (dreaming of her boyfriend Ned?), I’ve reconsidered my Nancy Drew crush.

What the hell was I thinking?

I probably had more in common with Nancy’s cat Snowball than with the fictional heroine who spoke French, drove a convertible (that she knew how to repair!), was a gourmet cook, and who was a golf, bridge, and tennis prodigy.

Could I have been jealous of Nancy?

Certainly I wanted to be the popular girl who had her father’s attention all to herself. Unlike my fragile ego, Nancy’s ego never took a bruising. She was never bullied at school, never had a pimple, experienced menstrual cramps that made her double over, never had a bad hair day, and always saved the day without breaking a sweat.

Which is why as an adult my attention has turned to more problematic heroines like the foul-tempered but uber-skilled Katniss Everdeen of the Hunger Games.

Like Nancy, Katniss is a leader. Like Nancy, Katniss lost a beloved parent at a young age. And like Nancy, Katniss is a truth-seeker (and par of a multimillion dollar franchise).

At age 55 I want my heroines to be problematic—the more flaws the better. Bring on the issues!

Katniss Everdeen is a grouch who doesn’t just break the rules, she smashes them to smithereens. Katniss is borderline rude to her mother. She can drop a deer with a perfectly launched arrow from 500 yards then skin it. She treats the man who loves her like an insect. Katniss has no idea how to behave herself around people, especially those who are trying to save her life. I’ve met people like that!

Nancy would be horrified.

A worse nightmare for Nancy would be Lisbeth Salander, the Nordic goth girl, avenging dark angel conjured by Stieg Larsson in his international best selling series that began with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Talk about a girl with problems! But problems are interesting. Admit it, as much as Lisbeth annoyed you, you couldn’t stop wanting to know more about her. Why was she so angry? what made her tick? As anti-social and foul-mouthed as she was, her gurl power squared kept readers and movie-goers coming back for more.

That’s because Lisbeth and Katniss know how to get things done. Lisbeth solves crimes by hacking computer and settles debts by being a vigilante that would make Charles Bronson run away screaming. To save Panem from the evil President Snow, Katniss literally exploded the sky. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

Can you image Nancy having to fight for her life or even hitting another girl?

Didn’t think so.

As much as I salute Nancy Drew for getting me hooked on mysteries, these days I’ll take the half-feral Lisbeth Salander and socially awkward archer with on mission Katniss Everdeen any day.

Sorry, Nancy.

I love learning more about authors and want to thank you again, Jill for sharing your inspirations.

About This Author

Jill Yesko’s 20+ year writing career has included stints as a sport writer, NPR commentator and investigative reporter. She’s written about everything from body piercing to human pyramids in Spain. After a solo trek around the world, Jill was profiled as an “adventurous traveler” in O, the Oprah magazine. Before becoming a writer, Jill was a national-class cyclist and graduate and cartographer. A New Jersey native, Jill now patrols Baltimore’s dog parks with her basset hound.

Author Links

www.murderinthedogpark.com
http://murderinthedogpark.blogspot.com
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18386998-dog-spelled-backwards-an-unholy-mystery
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15826419-murder-in-the-dog-park

Tour Participants

April 14 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review
April 15 – Mommasez… – Review, Guest Post
April 16 – readalot blog – Review
April 17 – Kelly P’s Blog – Interview
April 18 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Guest Post
April 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review
April 21- deal sharing aunt – Guest Post
April 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review
April 22 – fuonlyknew ~ Laura’s Ramblins and Reviews – Review
April 23 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Review
April 24 – fundinmental – Guest Post
April 25 – Thoughts in Progress – Review, Interview
April 26 – Chloe Gets a Clue – Interview
April 27 – Melina Book Blog – Guest Post
April 28 – Teena in Toronto – Review
April 29 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Review
April 30 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post

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

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

Her past will demand the “Ultimate Kill” by Kristine Mason – Giveaway

Posted on April 21, 2014 by fundinmental

Kristine Mason has become one of my favorite authors and I am really looking forward to reading another awesome thriller, Ultimate Kill, and following the new trilogy.

Read the excerpt and enter the giveaway.

Ultimate Kill (Book 1 Ultimate CORE)

by Kristine Mason

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BLURB

When the past collides with the present, the only way to ensure the future lies in the ultimate kill…

Naomi McCall is a woman of many secrets. Her family has been murdered and she’s been forced into hiding. No one knows her past or her real name, not even the man she loves.

Jake Tyler, former Marine and the newest recruit to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, has been in love with a woman who never existed. When he learns about the lies Naomi has weaved, he’s ready to leave her—until an obsessed madman begins sending her explosive messages every hour on the hour.

Innocent people are dying. With their deaths, Naomi’s secrets are revealed and the truth is thrust into the open. All but one. Naomi’s not sure if Jake can handle a truth that will change their lives. But she is certain of one thing—the only way to stop the killer before he takes more lives is to make herself his next victim.

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EXCERPT

Heroine’s POV

Naomi’s heart raced. Her mouth went dry. An uncontrollable shiver ran through her body.

The past five years suddenly disintegrated. As if she’d just woken from a disjointed nightmare, the months of running, of searching for the perfect place to hide in plain sight, the lonely days and even lonelier nights faded into a blur.

Tears welled in her eyes. For the lost years, the lost love, for the future they could never have. She quickly blinked them away and opened the car door. Her legs weak, her stomach somersaulting with embarrassment, excitement and regret, she placed a shaky hand on the door for support. A small part of her wanted to climb back into the car, drive off and pretend Jake had never come to Woodbine. But a large part of her, the part that had never stopped loving him, that had never allowed the memories of what they’d had together die, wanted to run to him. Throw her arms around his neck and kiss him.

“Jake,” she whispered, then cleared her throat. He looked so damned good. Tan, lean, muscular, his big toned arms showing from beneath his short sleeve golf shirt, his dark hair no longer in his trademark military crew cut.

Chin trembling, hand still clinging to the opened car door, she took a small, tentative step forward. “Jake,” she said louder, firmer.

He pushed off the SUV and slowly approached, his gaze never wavering from hers. Lightheaded, she stayed put, kept her hand on the door for fear she might crumble to the asphalt. She’d dreamed of seeing him again, had imagined what she might say, the excuses she could give him. But anything she’d ever come up with had sounded terrible, selfish and ridiculous. Even if what she’d tell him was the truth.

Now that he was less than five feet away from her, she had no idea what to say or do. A million questions buzzed through her mind. Was he married? Did he have children? Fresh tears filled her eyes. God, she really was a selfish bitch. She wanted him happy, had always prayed he’d find someone to love, but deep down she’d hated the thought of him loving someone else. Making love to another woman. Creating a child. A future that hadn’t included her.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his voice rough, raw. He blinked, looked to the ground and took a couple of more steps until he stood within arm’s reach. When he met her gaze, she expected anger and resentment, instead she found anguish, longing and heat in his dark eyes.

She pressed her lips together to stop her chin from trembling and swiped at an errant tear. She’d hurt him. Because she’d loved him so much, she had no choice but to run from him.

Until the bastard who’d murdered her family and forced her into this self-imposed exile was rotting in Hell, she’d keep running. Otherwise, Jake would end up like everyone else she’d loved.

Dead.

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AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS

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.

I’VE BEEN RUNNING A “CONTEST” ON MY WEBSITE. JOIN MY NEWSLETTER AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A $50 AMAZON GC.

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

Ultimate Kill Purchase Links

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Kristine Mason will be awarding a $5 Amazon gift card to five randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Leave your email and answer the question:

What do you think of the cover?

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found by clicking on the Goddess image below.

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To grab your copy of Ultimate Kill or learn more about Kristine Mason, 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.

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The Spotlight is on The Publicist Book I and II by Christina George – Giveaway

Posted on April 16, 2014 by fundinmental

Welcome to the tour for Christina Georges, The Publicist I and II.

The storyline made me curious and I am wondering if there is truth in the fiction. Let’s check it out and you tell me.

Enter the giveaway below for an ebook OR print copy of The Publicist I and II.

Book Details

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Book Title: The Publicist Book I and II by Christina George,

includes The Publicist (Book 1) and Shelf Life (Book 2)
Category: Adult fiction
Genre: Contemporary romance
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: February 2014 (bundle edition)
Available in: Print and e-book (mobi for Kindle)
Will send books: internationally
Tour dates: April 1 to May 9, 2014
Content Rating: PG-13 Mature

The Publicist Book One

Behind every book, there’s always more to the story.Can one woman change an age-old institution like publishing? Probably not, but Kate Mitchell sure wants to try. As a publicist with a large, respected New York publishing house, Kate finds herself at the mercy of a broken publishing system, books that don’t always sell (at all) and author egos that are often, well, as big as the island of Manhattan.Enter the star Editor, MacDermott Ellis. Tall, handsome, charismatic, married, and ready to save the day. Kate wants to do the right thing but her hormones seem to be driving her decisions. Then there’s Allan Lavigne, once a revered author, now as forgotten as yesterday’s news; and his nephew Nick, who wants to sweep Kate away from New York for another coast, California.As Kate tries to navigate the landmine of publicity, the over-the-top author expectations, and the careful dance of “I’m sorry, your book isn’t on the bestseller list this week”, she also finds authors who are painfully overlooked by a publisher wanting more sex, more celebrities, and more scandal.

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Shelf Life: The Publicist Book Two

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The story only an insider could tell.

Publishing: An industry of out-of-control of egos, unrealistic expectations, and books with the shelf life of milk.

This is Kate’s world, but for how long?

When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, she thinks it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold onto but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. When her career and love affair hit their expiration date, Kate sets off on a new adventure….

Starting over in California is easy, but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nicholas Lavigne is eager to help her forget, but two things still own her heart, the dream of discovering the next great American novel, and MacDermott Ellis.

As Kate tries to rebuild her life she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest bestsellers publishing has seen in ages and she’s welcomed back with open arms. At the height of her success the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she’d been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart.

Meet the Author

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years (give or take). Here’s what this book isn’t. It’s not a slam against publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors (though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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You can pick up your copy of Christina George’s The Publicist Book One and Two by clicking on the covers below.

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Christina George is offering for the giveaway:

1 (one) ebook OR print copy of The Publicist One and Two. International. State your preference when leaving your email address and answering the question:

What do you think is the hardest thing about publishing a book?

Giveaway Ends: April 23, 2014

The publisher will be responsible for sending the book to the winner.

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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.

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A KILLER Freebie – Absolution by Susan Fleet

Posted on April 7, 2014 by fundinmental

ABSOLUTION is free Monday-Friday April 7-11, 2014 . Get your copy HERE.

Susan Fleet became a favorite author of mine as soon as I opened the pages of Natalie’s Revenge. I love her writing style and reading about the serial killers who run rampant through her novels.

Beware! You never know! Who is your neighbor, really???????

A serial killer preys on young women in New Orleans.

Best Mystery/Suspense/Thriller of 2009 — The Premier Book Awards

THEIR WORST NIGHTMARE . . . GETS WORSE

Vulnerable young women let a serial killer into their homes because they trust him.
The killer tortures them, kills them and takes a gruesome trophy.

IS THE KILLER A PRIEST? Everyone has something to hide. Some of the darkest secrets reside in a parish church. A tip from a prostitute leads New Orleans Detective Frank Renzi to believe the killer may be a priest.

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A ruthless stalker, the serial killer uses his position to snare more women. With Renzi hot on his trail, he persuades a teenaged girl to help him escape. Will Renzi be able to save her?

Who would YOU trust? A police officer or a priest?

Praise from the critics:

“A killer thriller!” Jan Herman, Arts Journal
“relentless tempo … sharp writing.” Kirkus Discovery
“Creole-flavored suspense!” The Sun Chronicle
“Fleet has created a crime drama far above the ordinary whodunit. A wholehearted “Bravo!” — Kathy Hunt, The Florida Times-Union
First class writing! Fleet goes inside the head of the killer with a rare talent.” — C.J. Gregory

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AMAZON BUY LINKS

US / UK / Canada / Germany / France / Spain / Italy / Brazil

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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 / Amazon Author Page

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To see my 5 STAR Review of Natalie’s Revenge, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Absolution, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Diva, go HERE.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Jackpot, go HERE.

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To get your copy of Jackpot, or any other Susan Fleet book, 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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Cozy Mystery Review and Giveaway – Death on Eat Street by JJ Cook

Posted on April 1, 2014 by fundinmental

Death On Eat Street by JJ Cook has an awesome cover. I looked at it and felt that it would be a fun read and I was not wrong. The chuckles and laughter are free.

It takes place in Mobile, Alabama. I lived in Mobile some time ago, so I am able to walk the streets with Zoe. It brought back some great memories and books that do that for me make them even more enjoyable.

The cover alone is enough to draw me in. How about you?

Death on Eat Street (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck)
BRAND NEW SERIES
COZY MYSTERY
Series: Biscuit Bowl Food Truck (Book 1)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (April 1, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-0425263457
E-Book ASIN: B00F9EZAUW

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SYNOPSIS

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Zoe Chase always wanted to own her own restaurant—but first, she’ll have to serve up a heaping helping of meals on wheels, with a side of mystery. When she’s once again passed over for a promotion at work, Zoe decides to take the big leap and go for her dream. She quits, gives up her fancy digs, and buys a fixer-upper diner in a shady part of town. To keep above water during the renovation, she buys a used food truck to serve the downtown and waterfront of Mobile, Alabama. Zoe starts to dish out classic Southern food—but her specialty is her deep-fried biscuit bowls that blow traditional bread bowls away. After a promising start, things start to go downhill faster than a food truck without brakes. First, someone tries to rob the cash register. Next, Zoe is threatened by the owner of a competing food truck for taking their spot. And when the owner ends up dead inside Zoe’s rolling restaurant, Zoe and her sole employee, Ollie, find themselves hopping out of the frying pan into the fryer. They need to find the real killer, before both of them get burned.

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My Review of Death on Eat Street by J J Cook

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Death on Eat Street has all the elements for a top notch beach read or just a book to relax with and enjoy. Full of plenty of mystery that kept me guessing who is the killer.

Zoe’s passion for cooking drives her, regardless of whatever her rich family and friends think. She doesn’t want the easy life that comes with money. She is determined to follow her dream.

When Terry is found dead in her food truck, she feels it’s her duty to follow proper procedure and do the right thing. Sooo, she calls the cops, because that’s the kind of girl she is.

The colorful cast of characters is fantastic, covering all classes. Her snooty controlling mother, her father who just wants to get along, her eccentric Uncle Saul, who they called in to help them with Zoe and he sure did. LOL Tommy lee, her jerk boyfriend, who doesn’t live in the real world. Ollie, from the homeless shelter, is a fantastic and tragic character that I am sure has a story to be told. He seemed to adopt her and was fast becoming her greatest ally. She would take the leftover food from the day to the guys at the homeless shelter, so they were always happy to lend her a hand. Miguel became her lawyer, when she was accused of the murder, but would he become more than that? Delia is her employee and friend and I can’t forget Creme Brulee, a sassy cat with a superior attitude. He snores and takes no guff from anybody. the I love them all, even the rich snobby ones.

JJ talks about Wintzell’s and I couldn’t help but smile. Wintzell’s is a seafood restaurant that is a staple of downtown Mobile, Alabama. Oliver Wintzell opened the restaurant in 1938 and the walls are covered with his sayings. I must confess, I have a couple.

4 Stars – Would Highly Recommend To Others

“Don’t worry. It will never happen again,” says Zoe.

I burst out laughing. This is the first book in the series and I feel she will be getting in much more trouble in the future. I am ready for the adventure.

I received a paperback copy of Death on Eat Street by JJ Cook for tour review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

About J.J. Cook

J.J. Cook writes award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, Joyce and Jim Lavene, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family. Visit them at www.jjcook.net.

Blog / Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links.

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AMAZON B&N Book World

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EXCERPT

It hadn’t been more than thirty minutes or so since I’d climbed out of the food truck. How did Terry get there after me? And what was he doing here? Had he followed me back to give me more grief over parking in “his spot” on Dauphin Street?

“What’s up out here, young ’un?” Ollie came out of the diner, still holding the sword.

“I don’t know. This is Terry.”

He nodded. “From the infamous tacky taco truck?”

“Yes. I don’t know what he’s doing here. I think he may be drunk or something.”

Ollie bent down and put his hand on Terry’s neck. “I don’t know either, but he ain’t goin’ no place else.”

“What do you mean? I can call him a taxi or something.”

“No, Zoe. You don’t get it. The man’s dead. A taxi won’t do him any good now.”

Dead? That made even less sense to me. Maybe I was too tired to think straight.

Why was Terry—alive or dead—in my food truck?

“We gotta hide him somewhere.” Ollie glanced around. “We gotta get rid of him before someone sees him here.”

“We can’t do that. We should call the police. That’s what you do when you find a dead body.”

“Oh? ’Cause you’ve got so much experience finding dead people?” He chuckled. “You better believe me, Zoe. You think you got trouble now, tell the police there’s a dead man in your food truck. You’ll be in for a heap more trouble.”

I knew he was wrong. If something had happened to Terry, regardless of how he got into the Biscuit Bowl, the police needed to be informed. If there was one thing I knew besides cooking, it was the law.

My mother was one of the most prominent attorneys in Mobile. There was even some talk of her getting a judgeship. She’d fed me the law with my pureed carrots and pears when I was a baby. She’d hoped I was going to follow in her footsteps someday.

I was kind of a disappointment in that area.

I took out my cell phone. “I’m sorry, Ollie. I have to call. If you’re worried about being here, you should go to back to the shelter. I can handle this.”

“I ain’t worried about me, Zoe. It’s you I’m concerned for. What do you think the police will make of you having a dead man in your vehicle?”

I thought about it. “What can they make of it? I didn’t do anything. Someone must have put him here. Or he climbed in and died. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

Famous last words.

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GIVEAWAY

JJ Cook is giving away 1 (one) print copy. Just leave your email and answer the question:

What is your favorite tasty treat from a food truck?

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To get your copy of Death on Eat Street by J J Cook, 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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon GC or Paypal Cash

Posted on April 1, 2014 by fundinmental

We are giving away 2 Kindles!!

The first one is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Giveaway Sponsors:

I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Inspired Kathy
Ripple Effect Romance Series
Author M.A. George
The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl
Meredith & Jennifer’s Musings
Owl Always Be Reading
Author Jennifer Laurens
Bonnie Blythe’s Pure Romance
Bella Street’s Weird Romance
Author Jennifer Faye
Good Choice Reading
Reviews from a Bookworm
Barbara Silkstone
Rae Z. Ryans, Author
The Stubby Pencil
Author David Pandolfe
Hallowed Ink Press
Author Louise Caiola
The Reporter and The Girl
More Than a Review
Kathryn Jones
Once Upon a Twilight
Author Jason Parent
Author Amanda Tru
Author Cidney Swanson
Paige W. Pendleton
Claudia Burgoa
P.M. Richter – author
RoAnna Sylver
Tigris Eden
The Bloggers Nest
J.L. Weil
The Cheap Ebook
Luthando Coeur
Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke
Author Alecia Stone
KellysLuckyYou
Rebecca Talley
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Simple Wyrdings
Tressa’s Wishful Endings
Paranormal book Club (PBC)
Author Stephanie Faris
Author Inger Iversen
Author Theresa DaLayne
Where The Broken Lie by Derek Rempfer
Bound 4 Escape
Author Laura Diamond

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Ends 3/31/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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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.

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

Matchmaking with the Goddess of Love – Out of Practice Aphrodite by S E Babin

Posted on March 27, 2014 by fundinmental

The cover and title of Out of Practice Aphrodite by S E Babin had me smiling.

I love mythology and have read a few books about the Gods and Godessess lately, so Out of Practice Aphrodite jumped out at me.

Follow me as we learn more with an excerpt and guest post about the characters. Be sure and enter the fantastic giveaway at the end of the post.

Out of Practice Aphrodite (Book 1 of The Naughty Goddess Chronicles)

by S.E. Babin

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BLURB

Abby’s major screw-up brings the wrath of Zeus upon her head. He offers her a choice – work for him or spend the rest of her days hanging out in Hades with her ex-husband. For Abby, this choice is a no-brainer, especially when Zeus says the only thing he wants her to do is make a love match.

She’s the Goddess of Love. What could go wrong?

Everything.

Abby stumbles into an ex-lover, a dead demi-god and the realization that a crucial relic has been stolen right out from underneath Zeus’ nose. Eris, the Goddess of Chaos and Discord, is behind the theft and murder and the faltering powers Abby is trying to keep secret. With Zeus breathing down her neck, she’ll need to keep her wits about her as she races against the clock and Zeus’ imposed two-week time period.

Of course, this is easier said than done. Not only is she struggling with a budding attraction to a sexy lawman and feelings for long-time friend, Hermes, she’s also trying to keep everyone out of the path of a vengeful goddess while saving the Earth and Olympus from the reign of a tyrant. What’s a goddess to do when the fate of the world rests upon her fashionable shoulders?

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EXCERPT

“Aphrodite. You’ve committed a grievous error and your attempt to show unconcern is failing you miserably.” Leaning down perilously close, he pushed his face into mine. Inhaling, he bared his teeth at me in a menacing grin. My heart skittered like prey when he reached out an elegant finger and tipped my chin up. I was forced to meet his eyes. Pools of emerald glittered dangerously, and I began to remember the reason Zeus still remained in power after so many millennia. My stomach churned in fear, and I wondered if this were the one battle I wouldn’t be able to escape.

“You know how I know, golden one? I can smell your fear. Sweet. Like sunshine and tears.”

I felt tears swimming to the surface and cursed my weakness. This was not good. I had screwed up over the years but had never faced more punishment than a slight slap on the wrist. Mistakenly assuming I held the favor of Zeus might be the last error I ever made.

I licked my lips nervously. “I–I understand,” I managed to choke out. “It won’t happen again.” And for once I meant it. Zeus had always been patient and had dealt with me much as a doting father would have, rather than how he normally handled others who had made less grievous errors in judgment. But now I could see the promise of punishment swimming in his gaze. It was something that terrified me more than I wanted to admit.

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GUEST POST – CHARACTERS

I love hearing about the characters and which is the author’s favorite, so my topic for S E Babin was her take on the characters in her book and who is her favorite.

Thanks so much for hosting me today!

I am excited to have you here, Sheryl.

I think I’m going to delve into the characters today. They’re always the most fun to write, but also the most difficult to flesh out. I love all of my characters, but Artemis happens to be my favorite. The focus in my debut is mostly all about Abby, but as the series progresses Artemis will get some more screen time.

Keto was a happy accident. I signed up for the beginner’s writing workshop at the 2012 Romantic Times Booklover’s convention and part of that class was receiving feedback from a published author in your genre. Since I was at a romance convention, and this book was a mixed-genre mystery, there were no authors that wrote in my field.

However, the author who gave me feedback still gave me some fantastic suggestions. And one of those suggestions was to add a character into Abby’s bedroom when she wakes up so there can be dialogue between them. Otherwise, it can get boring. She was absolutely right. Adding Keto in gave the book a spice it didn’t have before and allowed me to create someone who would be a nice cold bucket of water when Abby got too crazy.

Keto is a mysterious sort, and as the book progresses Abby realizes her friend has been keeping all sorts of secrets. I don’t delve into them too much in this novel, but things will be hitting the fan in the second book because all eyes are on Keto for a while. We figure out his origins and some of his past relationships. I even surprised myself with what happens with him…

And then we have Artemis. I adore her. She’s sort of frazzled and geeky, but she is also politically savvy when she needs to be. Not that she always is because sometimes she can insert her foot directly into her mouth with disastrous results. She speaks the truth even when no one else wants to hear it. Artie will also get more screen time in the next book. I’ve written a scene where Artemis goes completely crazy on someone who richly deserves it. And it isn’t pretty.

And to close up, there’s Hermes. Le sigh. He’s so sexy…and sweet…and genuine. Why Abby doesn’t snap him up right away is beyond me. I can’t always keep a reign on her. He’s super witty and fun-loving, but he is also serious and kind. He will be back in the next book, too. And he’ll also be a wrench in someone’s supposedly happy relationship. *wink wink*

After reading about your charcters, I find myself having to know what is so special about Artemis. Thanks, Sheryl, for stopping in and sharing all your wonderful characters with us.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheryl has had a book in her hands pretty much from the time she could hold things with her hands. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own. Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf’s Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl ended up spending way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool.

Sheryl has a fondness for humorous, lighthearted stories but also secretly covets bad-ass leather wearing chicks who curse too much. It helps if they’re funny, too. She writes a little bit of everything but is currently focusing on light paranormal mysteries. Visit her at http://sebabin.com/.

Twitter – @hungrybiblio / Facebook / Website – http://sebabin.com/

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GIVEAWAY

The author will be awarding a chocolate/coffee/wine-themed gift basket (US only) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

“Do you have a favorite God or Goddess?”

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found by clicking on the image below:

To grab your copy of Out of Practice Aphrodite (Book 1 of The Naughty Goddess Chronicles) or to learn more about S.E. Babin, click on the cover below. ~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

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

Book Tour Giveaway for Blaze of Glory by M Garzon

Posted on March 25, 2014 by fundinmental

I think horses are some of the most beautiful creatures, so I could not resist being a part of the tour for Blaze of Glory by M Garzon.

Blaze of Glory by M. Garzon

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BLURB

“The first book in the popular trilogy, soon to be a major new television series!

Some fires can consume you.

Last year, I had it all. Two jumpers on the show circuit, a lot of wins, and a lot of attention – the good kind. But now I have nothing. My life is circling the drain. The only spark of light that exists for me is my new, forbidden passion. If my stepfather finds out, he will kill me. My twin brother, my only blood relative in the world, has already begged me not to. But I can’t help myself. If it can’t be horses, it has to be this…”

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EXCERPT

I squished my way through the water-soaked grass to the pasture. The sudden downpour had cooled the air, and I shivered slightly in my wet clothes. The worst of the storm seemed to be over, and when I reached the pasture fence I paused, debating whether I needed to bring the horses in. The rain had abated to a fine drizzle, and there hadn’t been any lightning or thunder since I’d left the barn. It was such a relief to escape the tense atmosphere there that I lingered, leaning on the fence and watching the dark wet patches creeping down the horses’ coats.

I didn’t hear the footsteps until they were right behind me. I knew whose they were without turning; only Jaden’s presence would raise the hairs on my body like that.

“Tea,” he said my name like a caress.

I was about to duck away, but he knew me too well—his hands shot out and gripped the fence board on either side of me, though he didn’t touch me, of course. He was so close now that I could feel the heat from his body searing the back of mine, but this heat made me shiver all the more.

“How long are you planning on not talking to me?” His voice was subdued.

I shrugged. I felt, rather than heard, his sigh.

“You’re angry with me.”

He was wrong about that. It wasn’t anger that was making me avoid him, it was self preservation.

“I don’t blame you. I know I’ve made a mess of things. I came to give you a choice… I was planning to leave at the end of the season.” He paused, but my brain was already frozen. As though it couldn’t process the word ‘leave’. “But if you’d rather I left now, I’ll understand. I’ll find a spot for my horses closer to Toronto.”

My chest constricted painfully, and my breath started coming in sharp, raw gasps. Either way, he would be gone. My only option was whether to prolong my suffering. It was always the same impossible choice: the pain of his presence versus the torture of his absence. I didn’t say anything. I don’t think I could have spoken even if I’d wanted to.

“Let me know what you decide,” he continued quietly. He hesitated, then dropped his head close to mine; I felt the zing of current from my face down to my shoulder. He whispered his parting line in my ear.

“I miss you.”

I waited until his footsteps faded to surrender to the wracking sobs, and they shook me for a long time before I pulled myself together and went back to work.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M. Garzon rode horses professionally for ten years, until an injury prompted a career change. She returned to school and completed a BSc; then for good measure, an MBA. After several years of toiling as a business consultant, she turned to writing in a desperate bid to regain her sanity. A mom of two fabulous children, she lives in St Lazare, QC and considers herself extremely lucky to be a writer.

Website / Facebook / Amazon

(also available on Kobo, NOOK, and iBooks)

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos The author will be awarding the entire trilogy on Kindle or Kobo (winner’s choice) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found by clicking on the image below.

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.

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

Sherry’s Shelves #5

Posted on March 24, 2014 by fundinmental

.Sherry’s Shelves #4 is my weekly update, where I will recap what I have been doing the past week: March 16 – March 22, 2014.

Sunday Post is Hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Stacking the Shelves is Hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Bought, Borrowed and Bagged is Hosted by TalkSupe

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

if listed as free, please check for the “0″

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Picked up for free from Amazon

The Cold Pools by Chris Ward

The Watcher (The Bigler County Romantic Thriller Series) by Jo Robertson

Some People Die Quick (The Jay Leicester Mystery Series)

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Gifted

9 More Killer Thrillers (Kindle Edition) by Russell Blake

Deadly Road and When The Dead Whisper by Tara Neideffer

Paperback copies from the Author (have already reviewed)

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Received for Review

Dragonfly by Charles A Cornell

Previously Loved Treasures by Bette Lee Crosby

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WON

Post Apocalyptic Overalls from I Smell Sheep

A pair of overalls, similar to the ones that the scavs in Empty Cradle wear. These overalls have been upcycled, Detroit-style, with contrasting-color cuffs from the knees down.