Category Archives: Music video

Giveaway & Review – A Fighting Chance by Chrys Fey @ChrysFey

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I was watching the Bones TV series, the episode where Bones and Booth get married. When Cundi Lauper began singing At Last, I immediately thought of sharing it with this review. It seemed so appropriate. Funny how that happens sometimes.

GUEST POST

Sherry Asked: Why did you name Detective Thorn…Thorn?

Chrys Fey’s Answer: Honestly, I don’t remember. HAHAHA! Usually, I’ll have a first name for a character, and then I have to come up with a good last name to go with it. I’ll explore surname websites and even the credits for movies to find a suitable last name. When it comes to my detective or law enforcement characters, I first come up with the surname that’ll pair well with “Detective” or “Officer.” I do this before even considering the first name. If I ever do.

For example, Officer Burnett is a character we meet in Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes Book 2), and we are reacquainted with him in A Fighting Chance. I simply considered a last name that sounded good with “Officer.” I wanted it to be strong. Officer Burnett is a strong title and name combo. So, when it came time to name the detective who comes in to help hunt down the corrupt cop and murderer David Buckland aka Buck, I literally contemplated what name would sound really badass with “Detective.” It doesn’t get much more badass than Detective Thorn.

Pages: 154

Genre: Romantic-Suspense

Heat Rating: Hot

MY REVIEW

It’s a great day. A Fighting Chance is the final book in the Disaster series and it it time for Thorn’s and Amanda’s story to be told.

Because you may want to start this series at the very beginning with Hurricane Crimes, I will try not to give anything away. I have loved growing and living life to the fullest with Beth and Donovan and would love for you to learn what they have been through to have a life so good they never even dreamed of it.

Thorn is a police officer and best friend to Beth and Donovan. Amanda is a survivor of domestic violence, still hiding out from her ex. She works with Beth at the Fighting Chance, and has become a very good friend of hers. These women have learned to stick together and their man will put their life on the line to keep them safe.

Amanda has found so much to live for, and when the danger comes walking through the door, she knows she cannot face it alone. Thank goodness she doesn’t have to.

She is afraid for Thorn. Afraid to hope for happiness. She is broken, but not beaten.

Thorn and Amanda’s relationship develops in a slow, realistic way. It is tentative and sweet.

I loved reading about her home remedies for defending her home. They are low tech, but they do the job. When Amanda talks about how she points her blinds, I couldn’t help but smile. I do the same thing.

Chrys Fey handles a difficult topic, like domestic abuse in a graceful and interesting way and I can’t help but believe it could be an inspiration for those who need a little bit of help to feel they are worth of a good, loving life.

The feeling of evil, of danger, of a sense of urgency, is subtle, but present throughout the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Fighting Chance by Chrys Fey.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

BLURB

*A FIGHTING CHANCE is Book 6 in the Disaster Crimes series, but it’s a spin-off featuring a new couple, so it can be read as a standalone.*

Thorn has loved Amanda from afar, giving her whatever she needs as a survivor of abuse—space, protection, and stability. He yearns to give her more, though, to share his feelings, kiss her, love her, but he’s worried the truth will frighten her away.

And Amanda is afraid. She’s scared of her attraction for Thorn. Most of all, she’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, who is lurking nearby where no one can find him. When she grows closer to Thorn, Damon retaliates, jeopardizing their happy ending.

Up against an abusive ex and Mother Nature, do Thorn and Amanda have a fighting chance?

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

EXCERPT

Amanda looked up from the current list of up-to-date payments for classes. A movement outside the glass storefront caught her eye. She tilted her head to see a man coming up the sidewalk from the side where the picnic bench sat. Through the vertical blinds, she glimpsed a square face—a short, rugged beard and long, dark hair pulled into a man bun. Her breath fled from her lungs. Her body went from icy cold to flaming hot in the span of a millisecond. She dropped to the floor and slid under the counter, beneath the ledge where they put their purses and cell phones.

“What—” Beth peeked at the windows. Then she snapped her fingers at April and pointed at the stools.

April jumped into action. She pushed the stools in so they blocked Amanda. The bell attached to the door jingled as April removed the jacket she wore and draped it across the stools, creating a curtain to shield Amanda.

From a crack, Amanda watched Beth move to stand in front of the twins, who were in their walkers playing peacefully. “I’m sorry, but we’re going to be closing.”

“I don’t give a shit. I’m here for Amanda.”

The sound of Damon’s voice had her heart beating even harder. That voice had haunted her nightmares, had come back to life in her memories.

Beth cocked her head to the side. “Who? There’s no one by that name here.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know she works here.”

His voice was closer now.

***FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME***

THE DISASTER CURSE

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

Author’s Note: I wrote The Disaster Curse to answer a few lingering questions readers may have after reading A Fighting Chance, and to tie the whole series together with a neat, shiny, perfect little bow. Plus, there was one disaster that I hadn’t written about yet. *wink*

The Disaster Crimes Series:

  • *The Crime Before the Storm (prequel)
  • Hurricane Crimes (novella, #1)
  • Seismic Crimes (#2)
  • Lightning Crimes (free short, #2.5)
  • Tsunami Crimes (#3)
  • Flaming Crimes (#4)
  • Frozen Crimes (#5)
  • A Fighting Chance (spin-off, #6)
  • The Disaster Curse (short story, #7)

*Free exclusive story to newsletter subscribers.

***LAUNCHING A WEBSITE***

TheFightingChance.org is a website dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Inspired by the Disaster Crimes series.

***GIVEAWAY***

Prizes: Hurricane Crimes (Disaster Crimes 1) and Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes 2) eBooks (mobi or epub), Hurricane Crimes Playing Cards, Girl Boss Sign, and a Volcanic Blast Scented Candle

a Rafflecopter giveaway ;

ABOUT CHRYS FEY

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

Author Links:  Newsletter / Website / Facebook Group /Blog / BookBub

Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

MY CHRYS FEY REVIEWS

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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Music Monday – Ave Maria by André Rieu & Mirusia #musicmonday #avamaria

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

As I rang out the 2020, my thoughts went back in time. Back to the wedding of my best friend, Maria, who had Ava Maria sung at her wedding. She never met a stranger. She was a very special person and is sorely missed. May she rest in peace.

Amazing – Stranger Danger by Michaelbrent Collings @mbcollings

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Stranger Danger

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

WOW…I mean…WOW. Each story in Michaelbrent Collings Stranger series keeps getting better and better, but seeing my rating system only goes to 5…I have a full page of notes and I think that means I’ll be doing some editing. Don’t want to give away too much…only want to teeeeease you. 🙂

Not everyone that Legion seeks out dies, but you better be on your best behavior. If he has any doubts….

Legion is one of those characters I fall in love with and never want to lose, never want his story to end, even though I wonder how it will. He reminds me of Dexter, meting out his own version of vigilante justice. How can his ending be a good one? I don’t see it, yet I want it. Like all people, he is neither all good or all bad. Where his journeys are taking him, I don’t think even he knows, but there is a destination he seeks.

Warning…Set aside some time. Once I began, I couldn’t stop. Listening to him talk to Fire, Water and The One had my head spinning, at times. Each individual voice has it’s own personality. But…something is changing. He doesn’t know what, but he feels it all the same.

There are discriminating, racist, sexist, gangs, white supremicist elements, but isn’t that like real life? A mother trying to save her and her son, a Wolf after revenge…and Legion. Even with all the danger and violence…no punches are pulled… in Michaelbrent Collings Stranger series, there are moments of levity.

Michaelbrent Collings Stranger series is at the top of its class. Love, love, love Legion. He is such a tortured, complex individual. I don’t know how Michael takes each story to a new level of breath taking suspense and so many book surprises, they even last until the last page. I am desperate for more!

What a fabulous TV series The Stranger stories would make!!!! I’m sure it would do fantastic as movies, but I am a TV addict. Is anyone listening? Who would you choose to play the lead? I’m going to have to think on that.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Stranger Danger by Michaelbrent Collings.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

He will teach you the lesson…
… he knows you’re dying to learn.

Legion is a teacher. An avenging angel. A murderer.

A madman.

Raised in the underground hideout of an insane father, he searches for those who keep secrets and sins. Then he teaches them how to leave those mistakes behind. Even if it means killing them to do it.

Because sometimes murder is the cost of a proper education.

That’s why, when he comes to a neighborhood in the grips of a vicious gang war, he knows the time has come to teach.

Soon Legion – and his imaginary brothers, Water and Fire – are caught in the middle of a vicious fight for control of the Downs, the worst part of a city on the verge of anarchy.

Legion is facing enemies on all sides. Hundreds of men will stop at nothing to capture or kill him.

Legion will teach the lessons. And the students will never forget, no matter how long – or short – their lives may be.

The students are ready.

And the teacher will never stop.

ABOUT MICHAELBRENT COLLINGS

Michaelbrent Collings

Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally-bestselling novelist, multiple Bram Stoker Award nominee, produced screenwriter, and one of the top indie horror writers in the United States.

He hopes someday to develop superpowers, or, if that is out of the question, then at least to get a cool robot arm.

Michaelbrent has a wife and several kids, all of whom are much better looking than he is (though he admits that’s a low bar to set), and also cooler than he is.

Michaelbrent also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MichaelbrentC… and can be followed on Twitter through his username @mbcollings. Follow him for cool news, updates, and advance notice of sales. You will also be kept safe when the Glorious Revolution begins!

STALK MICHAELBRENT: Website / Twitter

MY MICHAELBRENT COLLINGS REVIEWS

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Music Monday – It Will Rain by Bruno Mars #musicmonday #brunomars

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

I was watching the Twilight series for the umpteenth time and this is the first time I realized Bruno Mars had a song on the track.

“It Will Rain”

If you ever leave me, baby,
Leave some morphine at my door
‘Cause it would take a whole lot of medication
To realize what we used to have,
We don’t have it anymore.

There’s no religion that could save me
No matter how long my knees are on the floor (Ooh)
So keep in mind all the sacrifices I’m makin’
To keep you by my side
To keep you from walkin’ out the door.

‘Cause there’ll be no sunlight
If I lose you, baby
There’ll be no clear skies
If I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds
My eyes will do the same, if you walk away
Everyday it’ll rain, rain, ra-a-a-ain

I’ll never be your mother’s favorite
Your daddy can’t even look me in the eye
Ooh, if I was in their shoes, I’d be doing the same thing
Sayin’ “There goes my little girl
Walkin’ with that troublesome guy”

But they’re just afraid of something they can’t understand
Ooh, but little darlin’ watch me change their minds
Yeah for you I’ll try, I’ll try, I’ll try, I’ll try
I’ll pick up these broken pieces ’til I’m bleeding
If that’ll make you mine

‘Cause there’ll be no sunlight
If I lose you, baby
There’ll be no clear skies
If I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds
My eyes will do the same, if you walk away
Everyday it’ll rain, rain, ra-a-a-ain

Oh, don’t you say (don’t you say) goodbye (goodbye),
Don’t you say (don’t you say) goodbye (goodbye)
I’ll pick up these broken pieces ’til I’m bleeding
If that’ll make it right

‘Cause there’ll be no sunlight
If I lose you, baby
There’ll be no clear skies
If I lose you, baby
And just like the clouds
My eyes will do the same, if you walk away
Everyday it’ll rain, rain, ra-a-a-ain

The Virus Spreads in Dead Meat: 6 by Nick Clausen @NickClausen9

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Reads like current events…except for the zombies.

Dead Meat: Day 6

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Dead Meat series reads like current events…except for the walking dead.

The virus is spreading and, even though, I was immediately drawn to some of the new characters in Dead Meat 6 by Nick Clausen, I knew not all of them would survive. Everything happens over the course of one day. Each story in the series leads to the next, so I highly recommend reading in order.

As usual, Dead Meat grabbed me from the beginning and never let me go.

Gory, grisly horror, but amongst the dark some light shines in the people who sacrifice their lives to save others. Some wonderful characters are still alive, fighting for survival. All the good and bad humanity has to offer comes forth in this novel of terror and horror. Some show courage and grace, others show the despicable side of us humans.

Unputdownable. Want to be grossed out? Want to fret and worry about characters and have to know what happens next? This series is for you.

And Dan…he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’s just a boy, but quickly grows up to meet what fate has in store for him. He shows great courage.

WOW! The suspense level is off the charts, the characters fabulous, even the not so good ones. I love watching the rag tag groups grow, change and learn to do whatever must be done…against all odds.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dead Meat 6 by Nick Clausen.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

The dead have awakened. The world is ending. Can the disaster still be stopped?

The group of survivors head for the Faroe Islands in the hopes of reaching safety. But their journey won’t be easy, as the dead are following them every step of the way, and not everyone is destined to make it.

This is Day 6 of the zombie apocalypse.

Fans of Mark Tufo, TW Piperbrook, Bobby Adair and Camille Picott will devour this action-packed zombie book. And if you liked The Orphans, Dead State or The End of Everything, you’ll love Dead Meat.

What readers are saying about Dead Meat:

★★★★★ “like reading an episode of The Walking Dead” – Amazon review

★★★★★ “I’ve read a lot of zombie series, and this is the best” – Amazon review

★★★★★ “terrifying, nightmare-inducing, impossible to put down” – Amazon review

ABOUT NICK CLAUSEN

Born 1988 in North Jutland, where I still live with my wife, who also happened to be my earliest childhood girlfriend. From 2017 I have lived as a full-time writer. Up until then, I had different jobs beside the writing. I have been studying as a carpenter for three years, and have also read two years of psychology at Aalborg University. It turned out that the writing had a much more powerful pull on me.

Nick Clausen

I decided early on that I would be an author when I grew up. In fact, the decision came to me already when I read my first book, Snevampyren by Dennis Jürgensen. My first “real” stories I wrote at 14-15 years of age. They were rejected by the publisher, but still got praise. There were some years when I was busy with being a teenager and trying to get an education before I suddenly remembered that I should be an author.

That day I made a promise to write 1,000 words a day until I got a book published. I sat down and started writing. I continued to write every single day for a year and a half. I sent the finished manuscripts to different publishers, and the rejections piled up. Twelve of them by the end. But each time I could feel it was a little bit better. The criticism became more positive. The thirteenth story was called Tidevandet, and it was adopted by the publisher and came out a year later.

I have always enjoyed writing, although in the beginning I put a lot of pressure on myself. My approach to the process has become much more free over the years. For example, I no longer plan my stories. That way, I feel that I’m experiencing the story while writing it and the characters feel like real people. I do not know where the ideas come from, but I’ve never had trouble finding them.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

MY NICK CLAUSEN REVIEWS

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Music Monday – Auld Lang Syne by Rod Stewart #musicmonday #Rod Stewart

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

Auld Lang Syne is a song that always brings a tear to my eye as we ring out the old year and welcome the new. Auld Lang Syne is a song that brings people together and gives us all a feeling of hope. Take care, be safe, and I hope the new year brings all your hopes and desires to light.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Music Monday – A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives #musicmonday #BurlIves

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

Boy does this bring back memories. An oldie, but goldie that keeps on giving. Feel free to tap your toes or get up and dance as you sing along….like I did.

Music Monday – White Christmas by Bing Crosby #musicmonday #BingCrosby

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

Boy does White Christmas by Bing Crosby bring back memories. When I was a kid, we used to watch it every year and I loved it. Some things are timeless and according to the Guinness Book of Records, White Christmas by Bing Crosby is the number one song of all time, selling more than 50 million copies worldwide.

Music Monday – Black Magic Woman by Santana #musicmonday

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

Santana was an ear opener for me and made me appreciate the depth of music so much more than I had used to…or maybe that was the Marijuana I was smoking. Santana was the first concert I ever went to and did partake of the joints that were being passed around. Someone would light it and it would be passed from person to person, row to row, until another one came around. I was quite the novice and could hardly walk out when it was over. LOL

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Lyrics

Got a black magic woman
Got a black magic womanI got a black magic woman
Got me so blind I can’t see
That she’s a black magic woman
She’s tryin’ to make a devil out of meDon’t turn your back on me baby
Don’t turn your back on me babyYes, don’t turn your back on me baby
Stop messin’ around with your tricks
Don’t turn your back on me baby
You just might pick up my magic sticksGot your spell on me baby
Got your spell on me babyYes you got your spell on me baby
Turning my heart into stone
I need you so bad magic woman
I can’t leave you alone

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Music Monday – Do What You Can by Jon Bon Jovi #musicmonday

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Happy Monday everyone and welcome back to Music Monday! Let’s share some songs we’ve been enjoying lately!  If you would like to play, and I really hope you do, please see the rules and link up below HERE

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Lyrics

Tonight they’re shutting down the borders
And they boarded up the schools
Small towns are rolling up their sidewalks
One last paycheck coming through
I know you’re feeling kind of nervous
We’re all a little bit confused
Nothing’s the same, this ain’t a game
We gotta make it throughAs we wave outside the window
Older loved ones stay inside
Moms and babies blowing kisses
May be saving someone’s life
They had to cancel graduation
It ain’t fair to Skype the prom
Our kids sit home in isolation
TV news is always onWhen you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
This ain’t my prayer, it’s just a thought
I’m wanting to send
‘Round here, we bend but don’t break
Down here, we all understand
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you canThe chicken farm from Arkansas
Bought workers PPE
Not before 500 more
Had succumbed to this disease
Honest men and honest women
Working for an honest wage
I got a hundred point one fever
And we still got bills to payWhen you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
This ain’t my prayer, it’s just a thought
I’m wanting to send
‘Round here, we bend but don’t break
Down here, we all understand
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you canThey built a hospital on East Meadow
In Central Park last night
Doctors, nurses, truckers, grocery store
Clerks manning the front lines
I saw a Red Cross on the Hudson
They turned off the Broadway lights
Another ambulance screams by (screams by)
If by the grace of God, go IAlthough I’ll keep my social distance
What this world needs is a hug
Until we find the vaccination
There’s no substitute for love
So love yourself and love your family
Love your neighbor and your friend
Ain’t it time we loved the stranger
They’re just a friend you ain’t met yet
OhWhen you can’t do what you do
You do what you can (do what you can)
This ain’t my prayer, it’s just a thought
I’m wanting to send
‘Round here, we bend but don’t break
Down here, we all understand
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you can
When you can’t do what you do
You do what you can

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!