Category Archives: 5 Star Reviews

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! Carole P Roman @caroleproman

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The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! Carole P Roman came in the package I received with Brit Lunden’s The Devil and Dayna Dalton, part of the Bulwark Anthology.

If you are looking for some laughs for your little ones, or some tongue twisters for yourself, this may be one of those books you would love to have along on those road trips.

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!

Amazon / Paperback / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Carole P Romance sent me The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids and after reading it, I wanted to get this review out before Christmas.

Here’s a silly state for you: Laughter is good for you! It decreases the chemicals in our bodies that make us sick and increases the ones that make us feel better.

Do you have a little comedian or prankster in your household? Do you want something to help entertain the kiddos while taking that road trip? Are you someone who loves a good laugh?

We have jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, puns, knock knock jokes…and silly stats and wonderful illustrations to add that something extra. We have fun with pirates, vegetables, snowmen, critters, sports, if you can think of a subject, there’s probably a joke about it in this collection.

I found myself trying to solve the riddles and say the tongue twisters. I wouldn’t be surprised if you do too.

At the back of the book, Carole P Roman supplies some ruled pages and helpful hints to create your own, or your children’s own, funny moments.

Just because a joke is clean, doesn’t mean it can’t crack you up. I think, like me, you will find some of these familiar and others a nice addition to you repertoire.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P Roman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Tons of jokes, tons of laughs, tons more time kids spend reading.

“Why do fish live in saltwater? Because pepper makes them sneeze!” The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids is brimming with over 800 knock-knock jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, and silly stats for endless hours of hilarious entertainment anywhere.

This illustrated collection of jokes for kids is inclusive and family-friendly, with knee-slappers that kids will be bursting to tell every chance they get (parents, you’ve been warned). The jokes also get more challenging with each chapter, so this book will tickle funny bones of all ages.

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids is hysterical fun for anytime and anywhere:Are we there yet?—Keep kids engaged and giggling at home, on the road, and beyond. Reading frenzy—The best way to keep them reading? Make it so much fun they forget they’re reading. Budding comedian—Kids will learn about setups, punchlines, and how to write some jokes of their own.

Keep them laughing and reading for hours with this massive book of jokes for kids.

ABOUT CAROLE P ROMAN

Carole P. Roman

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts a blog radio program called Indie Authors Roundtable and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author’s Monthly. She’s been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren and a new joke book called The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!
She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.

Her series includes:
Captain No Beard
If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural
If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical
Nursery series
Oh Susannah- Early Reader and coloring book
Mindfulness for Kids with co-author J. Robin Albertson-Wren
The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids; 800 plus Jokes!
Navigating Indieworld- with co-author Julie A. Gerber
Marketing Indieworld- with co-authors Angela Hausman and Julie A. Gerber
Adult Fiction under the pen name Brit Lunden
Bulwark
The Knowing- A Bulwark Anthology

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY BULWARK ANTHOLOGY REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
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  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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Shame On Me For Waiting So Long To Share – Gideon by Alex Gordon @alexgordon36

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I have made a huge dent in back reviews that have been sitting, waiting…and waiting. I am close to reaching my goal for this year, the first round through my notebooks and review list. I won’t get everything done, but I am happy with the challenge and my progress.

I read Gideon on 6.2.16 and gave it a 5 star rating for this debut thriller. I love Alex Gordon’s work and can only imagine how far Alex Gordon will go in her career. I plan on being around to see.

Gideon (Lauren Reardon #1)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Lauren’s fate is sealed with the death of her father. He tried to protect her, but the lure for answers about death and danger surrounding her beckons her to Gideon, where He waits.

Alex Gordon”s story takes us from Seattle, Washington, to Gideon, Illinois.

Gideon was a crossroads for evil.

HE is surrounded by woods and darkness, where the dead don’t stay dead. Have I hooked you yet?

The town’s people job was to keep the darkness from crossing over.

Could Lauren be the one to stop HIM for good? Would innocence and naivety in the ways of evil and magic win out?

From the 1800s and burning at the stake to cell phones, potions and spells, evil rises and good does it’s best to prevail.

Both good and evil characters will die, so be careful who you get attached to and be prepared to grieve for the characters taken before their time.

I was a bit slow to get involved, but once Lauren traveled to Gideon, I found the pace picking up and my need to know what happens next rising to such a high level I found it hard to put the book down.

BUT…the story is not over and I am so happy to have Book II, Jericho, here at my side, ready to crack open and see what challenge faces Lauren next. I wrote that in my notes, but I reviewed Jericho before Gideon. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t know. LOL

Gideon wraps up the story in a great way and I feel it can stand alone, but I rated Jericho 5 stars, so I think ,once you begin, you would have to know more.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Gideon by Alex Gordon.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Preston & Child meets Kim Harrison in this edge-of-your-seat debut thriller—a superb blend of mystery, urban fantasy, horror, romance, and the supernatural.

When Lauren’s father dies, she makes a shocking discovery. The man she knew as John Reardon was once a completely different person, with a different name. Now, she’s determined to find out who he really was, even though her only clues are an old photograph, some letters, and the name of a town—Gideon.

But someone—or something—doesn’t want her to discover the truth. A strange man is stalking her, appearing everywhere she turns, and those who try to help her end up dead. Neither a shadowy enemy nor her own fear are going to prevent her from solving the mystery of her father—and unlocking the secrets of her own life.

Making her way to Gideon, Lauren finds herself more confused than ever. Nothing in this small Midwestern town is what it seems, including time itself. Residents start going missing, and Lauren is threatened by almost every townsperson she encounters. Two hundred years ago, a witch was burned at the stake, but in Gideon, the past feels all too chillingly present . . .

ABOUT ALEX GORDON

Alex Gordon, author of the supernatural thrillers GIDEON and JERICHO, was born in the Northeast, grew up in the South, and now resides in the Midwest. When she isn’t working, she enjoys watching sports and old movies, long walks, and the company of her dog, Gaby. She dreams of someday adding the Pacific Northwest to the list of regions where she has lived. And maybe the south of France.

She is not the Alex Gordon who has written several books about English footballers. She also has never played for the Kansas City Royals.

Photo by Libby Bulloff

Alex also writes Science Fiction and Fantasy under the name Kristine Smith.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Tumbler

MY REVIEWS FOR ALEX GORDON

Jericho

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Jaw Dropping Debut – The Vanishing Season by Joanna Schaffhausen @slipperywhisper

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Every so often I will follow an email link from NetGalley and check out what’s happening. I try to limit how many books I grab at one time…you know how that is. I found some books by Joanna Schaffhousen and grabbed a couple. I would like to thank NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Joanna Schaffhausen for the opportunity to read and share them.

The cover definitely fits the story.

The Vanishing Season (Ellery Hathaway, #1)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Vanishing Season is Joanna Schaffhausen’s debut novel, released in 2017…and, boy oh boy, is it a good one. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it gave me so much more.

Three people have gone missing and Ellery Hathaway knows they are dead and another will be taken very soon. Sam dismisses her warnings, but she won’t stop there. Sam is not only her boss, the chief of police, but also her lover, her married lover. I sure don’t approve of that, but as I read on, I could see how it happened. She uses sex as a weapon. That will have it’s own repercussions.

Woodbury, Massachusetts is a small town, a blink and you will miss it, with only eight police officers. I love to read of small towns, the gossip mill, and secrets that won’t stay secret. Ellery has a big one, but…

Ellery calls in the big guns, Reed Markham, an FBI profiler that had saved her from the serial killer that had taken her fourteen years ago, leaving her scarred and broken. He too has his own story. His marriage is on the rocks, but he had made a promise to her, so when she called, he came.

I love her basset hound, Speed Bump. LOL Critters always add some grins for me, and with a subject like serial killers, I need some chuckles.

The dog leapt from the vehicle with all the grace of a hippo performing a belly flop.

I have plenty of suspects, but two in particular have my attention. Even if I’m wrong, I don’t like them. LOL I do like to try and figure it out for myself as we follow clues, question witnesses, and try look for what others have missed.

There is no romance, though I know there are more books coming, so I wonder. I mean, just think about it, her body is scarred and so is her mind. She doesn’t want anyone in her house. Doesn’t want anyone touching her. And doesn’t want to share her secret. After what she’s been through, I can see why she protects herself, so who could possible get through the walls she has built up but the one person she trusts?

I am at 38% and my tension level is high, the pace is picking up, making me feel like the end is near, nut, there’s so much of the story left. I can only imagine what Joanna Schaffhausen has in store for her characters. I am lovin’ it.

I am filled with horror at the terrible things one person can do another, as the bits and pieces of Ellery’s captivity leaks out, each detail worse than the last.

Well…I didn’t see him coming. It takes a lot for an author to fool me so completely, especially near the end, but she had me eying the wrong guy until a page or two before he attacked. He was well camouflaged, but I will be on my toes with the next case, expanding my suspect list and reading between the lines.

Man oh man, I am so glad I took a chance on Joanna Schaffhausen. I had never heard of her. She kept me riveted from beginning to end and I can hardly wait for Book II, No Mercy. BRING IT ON!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of The Vanishing Season by Joanna Schaffhausen.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Ellery Hathaway knows a thing or two about serial killers, but not through her police training. She’s an officer in sleepy Woodbury, MA, where a bicycle theft still makes the newspapers. No one there knows she was once victim number seventeen in the grisly story of serial killer Francis Michael Coben. The only victim who lived.

When three people disappear from her town in three years, all around her birthday—the day she was kidnapped so long ago—Ellery fears someone knows her secret. Someone very dangerous. Her superiors dismiss her concerns, but Ellery knows the vanishing season is coming and anyone could be next. She contacts the one man she knows will believe her: the FBI agent who saved her from a killer’s closet all those years ago.

Agent Reed Markham made his name and fame on the back of the Coben case, but his fortunes have since turned. His marriage is in shambles, his bosses think he’s washed up, and worst of all, he blew a major investigation. When Ellery calls him, he can’t help but wonder: sure, he rescued her, but was she ever truly saved? His greatest triumph is Ellery’s waking nightmare, and now both of them are about to be sucked into the past, back to the case that made them…with a killer who can’t let go.

ABOUT JOANNA SCHAFFHAUSEN

Joanna Schaffhausen

Joanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, sharp skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband, daughter, and an obstreperous basset hound.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

  • To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.
  • To see all my reviews, go HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s 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!

Before Night Came Dawn of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler @mhebler

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Now, we have come full circle. The story of the Chupacabra will be told in full. I hope the series caught your attention and you find Dawn of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler just as alluring as the other three. I got shelved this to read on 12.10.15 and finished reading it 12.20.15.

Michael Hebler does manage to come up with some intriging covers.

Dawn of the Chupacabra (Chupacabra Series #4)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

When you think about it, the title and cover are perfect for the subject matter, the origin of the chupacabra. I love MIchael Hebler’s explanation of how and why the chupacabra came to be.

Jeremiah Whiting’s story ticked me off.

The Civil War caused some heinous acts to be perpetrated. A truly evil being wants to bring death and destruction to the world and will do whatever is necessary to ,ale it happen.

And then I met the American Indian, Yuma.

Michael Hebler has no trouble skewing even a good guy to the bad side, maybe even killing them off.

The details and descriptions are so deep, visualization is a snap, the surroundings coming to life.

Want to know what angers the spirits…you need to read Dawn of the Chupacabra yourself. LOL

Well, Michael, it has been quite the ride. The highs and lows kept me wrapped up in the characters, grieving for them when they passed, reveling with them when something good happens, and I can hardly wait to find another ‘family’ from you to hook up with.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

The fourth chapter in the award-winning Chupacabra Series follows an A.W.O.L. Confederate soldier, who is hunted by a demon sent to avenge the innocent of his heinous crimes.

Before Night, Came Dawn

Jeremiah Whiting has been a survivor since birth. He endured an abusive upbringing only to fight as a private for the losing side of the American Civil War. But when the war ends, Jeremiah’s battle does not. He will meet his greatest enemy yet, in the form of a heinous entity sent to kill him for crimes against the Cherokee Nation, and the only allies willing to fight at his side are the remarkable instincts he possesses and the voice of a deceptive Soldier who possesses him.

Dawn of the Chupacabra tells the origin tale of a supernatural beast born out of hatred and rage. Sent to kill a man no less atrocious, the monster’s creators soon learn the error of their fatal mistake and abuse of power when the creature terrorizes above and beyond its intended purpose. Dawn of the Chupacabra breathes life into a legendary curse spawned from the ashes of war and begins what will continue to blemish the earth for centuries to come.

ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER

Michael Hebler

Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters, conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the attention they deserve.

But life wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013 Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.

Currently, in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.​

To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six) books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.

Website / Twitter

MY MICHAEL HEBLER REVEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s 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!

Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler @mhebler

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Allright, Book III of the Chupacabra series by Michael Hebler, Legend of the Chupacabra. I got this book from Michael back in 2015 and finished it on 12.16.15. Man oh man it has been a wild ride…so, let’s get started.

Another fabulous cover in the series.

Legend of the Chupacabra (Chupacabra Series #3)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

As I enter the third book in the series, Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler, I have been reading them one after another, I become more fond of Jessie and her tenacity. She had a sordid upbringing, is self reliant, untrusting. Life is not what she would have chosen, but she would make the best of it. If she ever became your friend, it would be for life.

I couldn’t understand her felling of dread and being stalked. After all, the chupacabra was dead…isn’t it? What do you think?

Hate and revenge are strong motivators, leaving some open to being duped and unleashing a horror never known before upon the white man. In this western world, we learn about man’s ability to be good and bad. Are they born that way or do circumstances dictate their actions? I love a book that makes me ponder deep questions.

Suspense, twists and turns, pain and sorrow, but love and hope blossom from the most evil depredations. Sometimes subsequent books in the series don’t hold up, but, no worries. Each book has held more depth, more terror and more suspense than the last. I cannot stop reading, the suspense and sense of urgency driving me to the end…but wait…there’s one more book. YAY!

OMG…NO…Michael, you are sheer evil. I had a feeling something had to happen, but, damn it! I sure didn’t see the ending coming and it was a fabulous surprise.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Inside a small village within the Great Plains of Montana, a ritual initiated in blood will be performed. This ceremony has been executed only once before and will mark a rite of honor and justice. Commonly, the Assiniboine are a harmonious people with strong pride and passions, but turn to the spirits for vengeance when wronged. The tribe’s chief will summon the Great Spirit on behalf of his people, for no earthly man can make evil suffer
like a greater evil.

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon, six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure and the futility of their sacrifices when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER

Michael Hebler

Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters, conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the attention they deserve.

But life wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013 Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.

Currently, in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.​

To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six) books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.

Website / Twitter

MY MICHAEL HEBLER REVEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s 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!

Is This The End? Natalie’s Dilemma by Susan Fleet #SusanFleet

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I have been following Natalie since the beginning and love this fabulous character. She is all I could hope for in a kickass woman that takes no prisoners and struggles to survive the dangerous world she lives in.

Drat! I just discovered I missed Missing. I will be reading that soon and share it with you.

And Sniper was released in May of 2018. Gotta keep up with Frank Renzi in New Orleans.

Natalie's Dilemma

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Well, I don’t know what to say. The ending for Natalie’s Dilemma by Susan Fleet blew my mind. I don’t know how I feel. Does it make you curious? GOOD!

Natalie’s Dilemma is a series, but the way Susan Fleet writes the books could stand alone, though why you would want to miss any of Natalie’s story I don’t know.

I have been traveling the world with Natalie, dodging bullets and those that either want to kill her or arrest her. I love a character that tugs at my heartstrings, and Natalie does that in spades. Just because she killed some people, we both think they deserved it, doesn’t mean she’s a bad person. Does it?

Natalie has a life she enjoys in Venice, but for how long? We all know it’s not going to last. Bad things seem to follow her around.

We have two cases going on, one with gangs and one with mobsters. It’s hard to tell which is the worst, but Natalie is caught in the middle.

Natalie is forced to work with the mobsters to save a child’s life. All she thinks of is escaping their clutches. But…what would happen to the child if she left her behind.

I have always had empathy for Natalie and I wonder if Frank will ever quit looking for her. Why can’t he understand, she did what she did because she had to. Time and time again she is betrayed by those she puts her trust in. The only one who has stood firmly at her side is Pak Lam, her adopted father.

The characters…there are so many good and bad characters and each has their place in the story, adding depth, detail and much danger.

OMG! OMG! OMG! THE ENDING BLEW MY MIND!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Natalie’s Dilemma by Susan Fleet.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A diamond heist, Mafia murders and a kidnapping Fleeing her criminal past, Natalie settles in Venice. But two Mafia brothers pull off a diamond heist, kill the owner and his wife, and kidnap Bianca, their 5-year-old daughter. Across the street in an art museum, Natalie hides when police chase the robbers through the museum and watches them escape via the Grand Canal.

Aware of her previous crimes, a Europol agent forces her to spy on the Mafia brothers by acting as Bianca’s nanny. If she refuses, Homicide Detective Frank Renzi will arrest her. Natalie is desperate to escape. The gang leader suspects her and Renzi is about to arrest her. But if she escapes, what will happen to Bianca? Natalie’s Dilemma: Save herself or save Bianca?

ABOUT 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. Scroll down and check the video trailers for DIVA and ABSOLUTION.

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!!

Website

MY REVIEWS FOR SUSAN FLEET

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s 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!

Curse of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler @mhebler

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I already shared the first story in this Chupacabra series, Night of the Chupacabra (see the review link below) and I want to continue the story. I purchased this, but I believe it was through Michael that I received the gift, on 10.13.15 and I finished it on 12.13.15.

What a fabulous cover, but I don’t know who created it. I like the Kindle version better, so be sure and check that out…SUPER CREEPY!

Curse of the Chupacabra (Chupacabra Series #2)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Curse of the Chupacabra starts where Book I, Night of the Chupacabra left off and I was immediately engrossed by the opening pages. I was engulfed in Suzanne’s nightmare.

Jesse has a plan, though Suzanne would not approve, if she knew about it. Jessie is a grifter that uses all the tricks at her disposal. Even being a child she has learned well. She is pig headed, stubborn, independent. I love this character.

Suzanne is trying to do right by the kids. She is caring, giving, everything the kids were missing and I am fearful of her future. She feels responsible, though they are not her own.

I am in suspense, waitiing…waiting…waiting…for HIM to pop up. I know he will make an appearance, just when and where is the question.

I love the addition of western myths and legends, Indian shamanism, animal spirits, among the paranormal and supernatural horror. Curse of the Chupacabra has everything needed for a screamfest.

Be careful who you get involved with. Michael Hebler is not afraid to kill off his characters, so your favorite may not make it to the end.

OMG. Curse of the Chupacabra pissed me off so much…I am afraid to see what is to coming, but I am rubbing my hands together in wicked glee as I click that button to begin Book III, Legend of the Chupacabra.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER

Michael Hebler

Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters, conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the attention they deserve.

But life wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013 Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.

Currently, in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.​

To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six) books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.

Website / Twitter

MY MICHAEL HEBLER REVEWS

Night of the Chupacabra

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Creature Feature – Night of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler @mhebler

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Calling all creature feature lovers out there in cyberspace. I read these Chupacabra stories back in 2015, but never reviewed them. Me bad, but, better late than never…huh Michael?

I purchased Night of the Chupacabra, I believe it was gifted from Michael Hebler, through Amazon on 9.11.13, but finished reading it on 12.13.15.

Michael Hebler designed the fabulous cover himself.

Night of the Chupacabra (Chupacabra Series #1)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I had Night of the Chupacabra hanging around for a long time and when I finally read it, I wondered why I waited. I loved it. Night of the Chupcabra got my attention early on and really pissed me off about the wagon train.

The story is so sweet, so cute, so savage, so brutal. The past, present and future slam together with good and bad consequences.

I feel really bad for Drake. Will he survive? Will he find what he is looking for? He doesn’t deserve the bad things happening to him and I am hoping he finds what ever he is searching for and finds peace. But, he also surprised me and I didn’t see it coming. I sure want to know more about him, about the chupacabra.

Sheriff Dillmore is not a sheriff you want running your town. To say he is mean is not saying enough. He deserves to be hung up to dry, burned under the jail. I hope he gets his!

I knew the ending…sort of…but won’t know for sure until I meet the Chupacabra in the next story. The series consists of four books and you will need to read them in order and in their entirety to know the complete story.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

WINNER OF THE 2014 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR BEST HORROR NOVEL – No one ever disputed that the deserts of the American West were treacherous for the wandering man. Hot and desolate conditions give a home to many dangerous creatures, including one elusive beast which no traveler had ever laid eyes upon until the night Drake Byrne passed through with his family. Their encounter becomes a gruesome attack that rips the Byrnes apart, expected never to reunite. Now, five years later, Drake’s search finally comes to an end when he stumbles upon the unique town of Dillmore Valley. Hidden in the hills, the walls that protect the populace, and its secrets, quickly become their prison when the cunning creature that has been shadowing Drake terrorizes the town and feeds on the blood of anything that poses a threat.

ABOUT MICHAEL HEBLER

Michael Hebler

Prior to his tween years, Michael used to “borrow” Stephen King books off his mother’s bookshelf. Although he has not been clinically evaluated, Michael is positive that his adolescent self-introduction into adult horror had an impact on his dark sense of humor and love for Jason Voorhees. On the upside, Michael has found an outlet in which to put his twisted thoughts to proper use, and thanks to a college degree which proves that he had studied the importances of plot, characters, conflict, themes, and interactions, he is able to give his stories the attention they deserve.

But life wasn’t always about the written page. Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Michael had a career as a international film publicist, working on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, as well as the 2013 Academy Award® Best Foreign Language film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty). Sounds exciting, right? Michael thinks so, too.

Currently, in his spare time, Michael also enjoys volunteering in his local community. Organizations he has supported include Meals on Wheels, Get On The Bus, as well as helped protect our animal population by aiding in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.​

To date, Michael’s publications include the first four (of six) books in his Chupacabra Series: NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA, and DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA, a couple of short stories, as well as my first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age.

Website / Twitter

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

Stirring Up A Vampire’s Nest – I Am A Twilight Fan Forever #Twilight @_KrisJStewart @robpattinsonww @TayIorLautner01

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I am starting October off with my favorite horror and romance movie of all time, Twilight.

From first glance, I fell in love with Twilight.

Twilight GIF

Kristen Stewart’s eyes are so expressive, it was like she was mesmerized, in a trance, and lost to Edward…forever. I am amazed at the quality of her acting though, at times, I thought the dialogue was laughable. In the beginning she does come across as a whiny, selfish brat, but because I know the ending, the whole triangle thing was explained in a mind blowing way. Her lip sucking and soft snorting could be annoying, but, like anything I fall in love with, I am easily able to get past it. For her age, she comes across as brave, intuitive, and able to handle whatever comes her way, never wavering.

The music is amazing and emotional.I laughed and I cried. I would get lost in it and it invoked so many emotions I would be overcome with…a warmth that is all encompassing, a sit up and pay attention moment when the danger rises to a fever pitch, or a clash between Edward and Jake is on the horizon. Like Calgon, I just wanted to close my eyes and let it take me away…deeper into the fantasy.

They did an amazing job with the special effects. The more I watch it, the more I marvel at them. We do have the cheesy moments and I do cringe, but they are few and brief.

Twilight has made everything vampire so much better for me. It allows me to visualize the action, such as fighting, death, turning…

Three outstanding peripheral characters stand out and I feel deserve a special mention. Blondie, for being there, Bella’s savior til the end. Seth, what a sweet boy, that believes in doing the right thing, loyal and trustworthy. AND a very special shout out to Leah. When she makes that move in front of the Cullin’s house…doesn’t get much better than that.

kristen stewart twilight GIF

To vamp or not to vamp, that is the question. I first got into vamps with Angel reruns, then Charmed and Supernatural reruns. I caught a few Buffy episodes, but missed out on most of it.

I do love my vamps mean and ugly, but, now, I also love them soft and vegetarian. Cheesy and hot. It’s so bad I can’t look away. I watch whatever pops up on cable over and over. binging on Hulu. Poor constipated Edward and lip sucking, soft snorting Bella. a whiny selfish brat…and a hottie, Jacob. Sometimes Edward’s facial expressions are so very creepy. To pick my favorite character is really hard, because as I learn more about each one, they all have their special touch added to the whole.

Two other cringe worthy moments are when Riley is standing over Charlie…I can feel his breath on my face, and when Bella’s knees hit the floor. I cringe every single time!

My favorite quote:

“So the lion fell in love with the lamb.”

“What a stupid lamb.”

“What a sick masochistic lion.”

Everything about Twilight has made my enjoyment of the supernatural world of werewolves and vampires so much more enjoyable. I am able to visualize the action and know more of the history of the fabulous fictional characters.

BLEW MY MIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I rarely buy books or DVDs, but this was a must have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..and I bought the set of books too, so be on the lookout for those reviews.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5+++++
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Empathy For A Psycopath – Duplicity by Sibel Hodge @sibelhodge

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I am doing my best to finish up on overdue reviews and Duplicity by Sibel Hodge is one of those. I received the book back in October of 2016. Seems I really overdid things that year.

I will tell you that I gave Duplicity 5 Stars, so I have no excuses for not posting the review in a timely fashion. I think you may be able to relate to my problem, too many clicks and yeses. I just wanted to grab them all.

Cover: Blacksheep Design

Duplicity

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

With a cover like Duplicity by Sibel Hodge, I just know there is some good stuff inside. I read Untouchable by Sibel Hodge and loved it, so I was eager to begin Duplicity.

Duplicity starts out ugly, making me think of Clarise in Hannibal…but severely damaged, twisted.

A terrible, abhorrent childhood with an abusive father, neglectful mother, screaming, yelling, isolation…I want to have sympathy…

I love this kind of book. I love to read about serial killers, psychopaths and sociopaths. To delve into their fictional, or true, mind fascinates me. No matter how much I understand it is not their fault they are what they are, they still make choices.

Psychopaths have no feelings, but are they all killers? They are smart, having to learn to fake all the emotions that ‘normal’ people have. Sometimes one pivotal moment can take someone down a path they never saw coming.

How do so many incompetents get high paying jobs that require knowledge and tact…which they don’t have? Does he have the skills to solve the case, to bring down a murderer? We shall see.

Twists! Turns! Surprises! I LOVE IT! OMG. Sure didn’t see that coming.

The writing and pacing, creativity, twists and turns, suspense and AHA moments kept me on the edge, glued to the pages, unable to stop reading, waiting for the next shoe to drop and who would drop with it. I don’t think there will be a happy ever after here.

As I flip through my notes, on paper and in my Kindle, I am even more upset with myself that I didn’t review this immediately. It is hard to express my emotions since it has been so long, but this is everything I love in a thrilling, chilling, creepalicious psychopath, and of course all the other characters. Sibel Hodge is definitely an author that will be at the top of my reading list.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Duplicity by Sibel Hodge.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

There are three sides to every story: Yours. Mine. And the truth…

Max and Alissa have a fairy tale life—newlywed, madly in love and enviously rich. Then Max is brutally stabbed to death at their home and Alissa, miraculously, escapes with her life. But why was she spared?

The hunt for the killer begins, uncovering a number of leads—was Max’s incredible wealth the motive? Had his shady business practices finally caught up with him? Or was it a stalker with a dangerous obsession?

Devoted friends rally around gentle, sweet Alissa as she is left to mourn the loss of her husband and pick up her life. But not everyone is who they seem…Deep-rooted jealousies, secrets and twisted love lie just beneath the surface, and not all fairy tales have a happy ending.

Duplicity is a suspenseful thriller from the bestselling author of Look Behind You and Where the Memories Lie.

ABOUT SIBEL HODGE

Sibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, and Duplicity. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.

Sibel Hodge

Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews’ prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains’ Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children’s Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl’s Books and Pals Young Adult Readers’ Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers’ Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s International Digital Awards 2015, and 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel. Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.

For Sibel’s latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

MY SIBEL HODGE REVIEWS

Untouchable

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • 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!