Big Bang TOUR with Giveaway for Renhala by Amy Joy Lutchen

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fundinmental

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

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

RENHALA BY  AMY JOY LUTCHEN

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 9780988281509

ebook, 406 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

Buy Renhala here on AMAZON

Renhala+Blitz

MY REVIEW OF RENHALA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She meets Gunthreon there and he tells her:

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

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

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

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

“You are a Karmelean – an energy manipulator. “

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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

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

CONTACT LINKS:

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

Buy Links:

TOUR SCHEDULE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY

Swag Package and Amazon Gift Card

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Cover Reveal – Smash Into You by Shelly Crane

Posted on May 21, 2013 by fundinmental

Title: Smash Into You

Author: Shelly Crane

Expected release date: Summer 2013

Genre: Contemporary

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designed by: Okay Creations

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

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

Never stop running…

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

Shelly Crane | Facebook | Twitter

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Another Lada Ray Hit – Stepford USA Review

Posted on May 20, 2013 by fundinmental

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

Stepford USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jason – an Adonis, spoiled

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

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

Jack – a nerd, bad with women, a loner

Nick – chief of police.

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

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

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

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

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Cover Reveal for Reclaim My Heart by Donna Fasano

Posted on May 19, 2013 by fundinmental

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

Title: Reclaim My Heart

Author: Donna Fasano

Format: Paperback and eBook

Publisher: Hard Knocks Books

ISBN: 978-1939000200

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase Now: Kindle § Nook § Kobo § iTunes

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

EXCERPT

From Chapter Two

“Please, Lucas.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Relax. Do you want some water?”

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

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

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

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

“A good lawyer, Lucas.”

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

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

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

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

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

Every muscle in her body appeared board-stiff.

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

“You don’t understand.”

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

“But—”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

AUTHOR Q & A

What attracted you to writing in the first place?

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

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

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

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?

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

Where do you get your inspiration and ideas from?

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

What’s your favorite place in the entire world?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pride and Prejudice. Love that Mr. Darcy!

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

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

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

I’m a little on the chubby side.

Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What others are saying about Donna’s books:

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

“Excellent!” ~Bookreview.com

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

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

Follow Donna Fasano at the links below:

Website § Facebook § @DonnaFaz § GoodReads

§ Pinterest

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

TOUR STOPS

GIVEAWAY

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

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

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

Ends June 8, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

The Host by Stephanie Meyer – Review and Trailer

Posted on May 18, 2013 by fundinmental

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

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The Host (The Host, #1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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

Website

Goodreads

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

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Freakin Fridays #2 – Whatever Possessed You by Evans Light

Posted on May 17, 2013 by fundinmental

Freakin Fridays!

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

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

Tune in every Friday. Get your scare on!

Let’s have some fun!

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

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

Whatever Possessed You?

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

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

The deadline was looming. Two weeks.

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

“Words and music are inseparable.”

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

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

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

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

4 STARS – Wouldly Recommend To Others

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cliches, but so appropriate.

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

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

Feel free to stalk Evans Light

Goodreads

Facebook

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

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SCREAMSCAPES: This new collection showcases the dark fiction of Evans Light.
(Paperback and Special Limited Edition available June 1, 2013.)

Screamscapes

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

FREE – Friday, May 17th Only – Lada Ray’s Gold Train

Posted on May 16, 2013 by fundinmental

FREE – One Day Only – Friday, May 17, 2013.

Beautifully Re-edited, New Scenes and Artwork

As soon as I read the synopsis, it made me think of Clive Cussler, and I love his adventures. I have read several of Lada Ray’s books and will eagerly pick up anything she writes. Look below for my 5 STAR Reviews of some of Lada Ray’s books.

Mark your calendar! GOLD TRAIN ebook will be FREE on Amazon Kindle on Friday 5/17 for one day only! Grab it here: Amazon US UK. Also available on all international Amazon sites.

Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) Add To Goodreads

New Synopsis

Begin your love affair with Russia! GOLD TRAIN is a gripping romantic thriller based on true historic events!

Experience Moscow and St. Petersburg like you’ve never imagined them before; travel through Russia’s turbulent history and ever-changing present; immerse yourself in a world filled with oligarchs, hidden treasure, ultimate royal glamour, state secrets and FSB spies. It’s the world guided by destiny’s hand and spiced up with passionate love affair that could only happen where stakes are deadly and every day may be your last!

1918: Civil War in Russia. The entire Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire vanishes without a trace. But what if it’s about to resurface? And what if it’s about to be used to shift the global balance of power?

Today: Jade Snow, sexy international journalist turned spy extraordinaire must choose between her worst friends and best enemies, and the future just might depend on her choice.

288 print pages. Includes bonus: Excerpt from next Accidental Spy Asia Adventure, DRAGON GATE.

To read an excerpt, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

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

To see Earth Shifter videos, go HERE.

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

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

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

To see the Tour update, go HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Frostwalker by Brandon R. Luffman – Goodreads Giveaway

Posted on May 16, 2013 by fundinmental

Goodreads Giveaway – Go HERE to enter to Win one of three paperback copies of Brandon R. Luffman’s new survival horror novel – Frostwalker!

Frostwalker

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Goodreads Blurb

There’s something in the woods behind Jake Marsden’s house – and someone wants him to find it. A strange dream shatters his sleep, night after night, and a compulsion to find the dark presence in the forest wars with his logical and ordered nature. What’s a geek to do?

When his small hometown of Wynn falls under an ancient curse, Jake will find himself in a battle against creatures worse than any he’s faced in a game. Playing for keeps, it will be geek versus god in the fight to stop an evil force bent on destroying everything he holds dear.

The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth – If They Live Long Enough.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandon R. Luffman Born in Statesboro, Georgia in 1976, Brandon Luffman was raised in rural North Carolina from the time he was old enough to walk. In the sixth grade he discovered “The Chronicles Of Narnia”. Soon after that, he was on to Stephen King and Arthur C. Clarke. At the same time, he was making his first forays into writing fiction. After creating a series of short fantasy pieces for a class assignment that were received with praise, he was hooked on writing fiction for the entertainment of others. Now Brandon writes supernatural horror as well as fantasy, science fiction, and other genres. His short fiction is available online in various formats. Brandon still lives on the family farm in northwestern North Carolina with his wife and family. Taking inspiration from his homeland, he brings southern sensibilities and a modern flair to these classic genre themes. His first novel, Frostwalker, was released in May of 2013

If you can’t wait, grab your copy from Amazon or check out any of his books below.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

The Mullet Are Flying At The Redneck Riviera for the Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party

Posted on May 15, 2013 by fundinmental

The 29th annual Mullet Toss is held the last full weekend of April and this year was as great a party as ever. If you are not familiar with this athletic competition, let me tell you about it.

WHAT IS THE FLORABAMA MULLET TOSS?

A bunch of rednecks were looking for a reason to have a party and thought, what the heck, we got all this here fish, so let’s say we throw them from Alabama across the state line to Florida. Oh, let’s invite all our friends, and their friends, and their friends………………….. Hey ya’ll, we’ll probably get hungry and thirsty, so we need lots of food and plenty to drink. Thus, The Mullet Toss was born.

WHAT IS A MULLET?

A mullet is an indigenous fish to our area. There are tons of them and they are considered a delicacy here. On the east coast they are considered a trash fish used for bait. It is also the only fish with a gizzard and is said to have mystical powers. So beware and treat the fish with respect.

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR COMPETING?

Wear as little as possible, so it does not hinder your toss.

The cost is $15, but heck you get a T-shirt.

You choose your mullet from the bucket, no sand and bare-naked, I mean bare-handed.

You must throw from within a ten foot circle and end up in the circle after your throw.

The Green Man made an appearance, demonstrating the correct way to throw your fish.

Chocolate Brown shows how to retrieve your fish.

You must retrieve your fish. If you feel the need to pose for your fans, by all means, do so.

For photographic instruction, please study the collage.

No harm is done to the fish, because they are dead. Besides tossing them, the mullet have other duties to perform. For each fish thrown, a portion of the proceeds go to local youth charities.

But, rednecks do not waste anything, so the birds are invited to the party.

Other events are The Flora-Bama® Mullet Man Triathlon and the Flora-Bama® Mullet Swing Golf Classic. There are daily bikini contests, culminating in the Ms. Flora-Bama® Bikini competition. There are more competitions, some of them created by the partiers themselves. Bands play all day and night, everywhere throughout the Florabama. Tons of great food just waiting to be eaten. Be sure and get your oysters and crawfish.

These are a collection of my wonderfully tacky trophies that are on display in the main bathroom for your viewing pleasure. I’m sure you won’t miss that tour when you are visiting Chez Fundin.

To see the individual trophies up close and personal, click HERE.

For more information, photos and to plan your trip to the Redneck Riviera………..go to Florabama and check it out. It will be worth your while and good for some chuckles.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Chasing the Mullet “GOLD” since 1996 at the Florabama

Posted on May 15, 2013 by fundinmental

I have been chasing the Mullet “GOLD” and throwing fish from Alabama to Florida since 1996. I have been competing for three decades, now that’s scary. LOL During the early years, when I was in my forties, the competition was so fierce I was rarely able to qualify.

Unfortunately, in 2009 and 2010, I was unable to reach the podium, but knew I would have another opportunity next year.

There was no Mullet Toss held in 2005 and 2006 because there was no Florabama. Hurricane Ivan had ravaged the area.

I am happy and proud to display my trophies for your viewing pleasure. Please be sure to go HERE to see what all the ruckus is about.