Teaser Tuesday #52 – The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus

Posted on October 27, 2015 by fundinmental

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus is a horror novella that will make you think twice about a cabin retreat.

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

She had two options – forward or back.

Against her better judgment, onward it is.

Is she running away from something or toward something?

I love Rachel’s morbid sense of humor and hope it will carry her through what is to come.

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when she flipped off Underwood.

Her destination – the cabin.

The ramshackle condition of the cabin is a perfect setting for what is to come.

John, the landlord is there to greet her. Granger and Ollie share his warnings.

Are they good? Are they evil? I don’t know. Weird things are happening. Are they out of this world? Is it real? Is it only in her nightmares?

I feel horror and deep sorrow for her.

If it were in your power to erase your worst memory, would you?

Great ending. As I saw it unraveling, I couldn’t help but smile.

Is it supernatural? Are there devils and demons?

Yes, but not in the way you may think.

Jeff Gunhus set me up and led me down the path. His ability to spin a tale that keeps me hanging on his every word is right up there with the best of them. I read this in a couple of hours. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.

I received a copy of The Torment of Rachel Ames by Jeff Gunhus in return for an honest review.

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Goodreads Blurb: Suffering from writer’s block, novelist Rachel Ames escapes to a lake cabin to calm her mind and regain a sense of herself. The location is perfect. Isolated. Beautiful. Inspiring. It even comes with a good-looking landlord who shows an interest in her. But she can’t shake the sense that something terrible has followed her to the lake, something just beyond her consciousness, something out on the edge where the sounds of a raging fire and sirens linger whenever she slows down to listen. Determined to make the cabin work, she tries to settle in and give her new life a chance. But when strange things begin to happen around her, she wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. As the darkness that’s followed her manifests itself in inexplicable ways, her concept of reality is stretched thin and she realizes nothing at the lake is what it seems. As she fights to survive with her sanity intact, she understands too late that the location she’s chosen for herself is far from perfect.

My review for Night Chill

My review for Night Terror

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Teaser Tuesday # 51 – She by Anthony Renfro

Posted on October 13, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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I have read a lot of Anthony Renfro’s work and I love this short story, SHe.

The Living Sand is included as a bonus short. Amazon: $1.00

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

Sara had expected so much more from life, as she lay in her bed, crying.

On alert, she grabbed her gun and approached the door.

The light brought her comfort…

SHe craved estrogen.

This may be morbid, especially if you read SHe, but I laughed. I was caught so off guard, never saw where this was going, and I love it.

If you are looking for something to keep you indoors, away from your door, cowering in your bed with the covers over your head, thinking you can hide from SHe, then grab this short story, open the pages and read it now.

4 Stars

MY REVIEW

Anthony Renfro has included another short story, The Living Sand.

I had read this when it was titled Evil Beach, but Anthony has been revamping his short stories and making new covers, so here is my review and rating.

Grandfather is sitting on the porch, entertaining the boys with stories.

As he told the true story of The Living Sand, the boys were spellbound.

Imagine, if you will, entering a portal and onto the most beautiful beach you have ever seen. Everything is so bright and vibrant, but where are the people?

I thought this would be the end, but it was only the beginning.

If you are tempted to go to the beach on the night of the full moon, you might want to think twice.

I was sucked in, misdirected and totally fooled by this wicked tale of daring or foolishness.

So, enter, if you dare and you decide.

SYNOPSIS

Goodreads Blurb: A short story about two boys who discover a hidden beach and the evil deadly secrets that lie within its soft white grains of sand.

4 Stars

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Teaser Tuesday #50 – Joyride by Anthony Renfro

Posted on October 6, 2015 by fundinmental

TeaserTuesdays-ADailyRhythm3 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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I have read a lot of Anthony Renfro’s work and I love this short story, Joyride.

This is the new cover of the updated version.

Is anyone going to call shotgun?

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

Vin was always getting Mike in trouble and today he wants to take his uncles 1970 Chevelle for a JOYRIDE.

Maybe he should have paid more attention to the key ring with the devil smiling its evil grin.

They were flying by the seat of their youth and loving every minute of it.

Oh, the sweet taste of youth. Do you remember those times? When we all thought we would live forever?

Anthony Renfro is a horror writer so I know this won’t be any JOYRIDE they could have ever anticipated.

Anthony does a wonderful job of packing so much horror into a little package, I keep wanting more.

After reading this, you may think twice next time you get into your car and turn the key.

I received Joyride by Anthony Renfro in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

Anthony Renfro has included another short story, Sandy and the Stranger.

Sandy was undefeated when it came to drag racing, until…

A fun ghostly tale with glimpses into people’s character.

Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

(Revised and Updated: 2015) A Joyride in a Chevy Chevelle. The car was just sitting there for the taking. What could possibly go wrong? Vinnie and Mike are about to find out what can and will go wrong once they turn the key. Evil awaits. Ride shotgun if you dare with this short story.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

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Teaser Tuesday #49 – Hurricane Crimes by Chrys Fey

Posted on September 15, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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Hurricane Crimes by Chrys Fey

I am fudging again this week on the Teaser Tuesday to give you a review for this wonderful romantic short story, Hurricane Crimes by Chrys Fey.

I have read Chry Fey’s work and love her short stories.

This cover is so awesome.

Add me to Goodreads now.

Cover Art: Kim Mendoza

MY REVIEW

I live in Florida, so anything to do with a hurricane interests me. I have been through more than one hurricane, but unlike Beth in Hurricane Crimes, I have not been through a Category 5 hurricane like Sabrina. As if the storm isn’t enough, there is a murderer on the loose.

The evacuation order had been given, but Beth had nowhere to go and no way to get there, so she stocked up on necessities and hunkered down to weather it out.

As she watched the storm out her window, she saw the car slam into the tree. Of course, she had to go out and check on the driver. What would you have done?

Its not necessarily the wind and water that will kill you, but the blowing debris.

As the power struggled to stay on, she heard, Donovan Goldwyn – murder suspect.

Uh oh, he was here, in her home. What would you do? It’s almost like you have no choice but to play along. There is no one to help, no one to call, no one …

Would the storm affect your emotions and your libido…the danger, the adrenaline, the fear of death.

Chrys had me on a seesaw, yes he’s a murderer, no he’s not, yes he is, no he isn’t.

Chrys Fey does an excellent job describing Hurricane Sabrina and the destruction it brings in its wake. The ending is fantastic and I would wait out a hurricane with you, Chrys, any time.

This little novella has it all. A gorgeous cover, a captivating title, a hot guy and a not so defenseless woman stranded in a category five hurricane.

I picked this up on an Amazon free day and considered myself lucky.

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

*Hurricane Crimes is a short story.*

After her car breaks down, Beth Kennedy is forced to stay in Florida, the target of Hurricane Sabrina. She stocks up supplies, boards up windows, and hunkers down to wait out the storm, but her plan unravels when she witnesses a car accident. Risking her life, she braves the winds to save the driver. Just when she believes they are safe, she finds out the man she saved could possibly be more dangerous than the severe weather.

Donovan Goldwyn only wanted to hide from the police, but the hurricane shoved his car into a tree. Now he’s trapped with a beautiful woman while the evidence that can prove his innocence to a brutal crime is out there for anyone to find.

As Hurricane Sabrina wreaks havoc, Beth has no other choice but to trust Donovan to stay alive. But will she survive, or will she become another hurricane crime?

Chrys Fey writes amazing short stories, novellas. Check out my reviews:

Ghost of Death by Chrys Fey

Witch of Death by Chrys Fey

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Teaser Tuesday #48 – A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea

Posted on September 8, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea

The title, A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own, made this super short story a must read for me.

The cover put a smile on my face.

What do you think of when you read the title or look at the cover?

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

I love the title and cover for A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea. Not only did she write this super short, but she created the fabulous cover too.

Eunice should know better than to walk in the isolated part of the park. After all, it is very possible that her ex boyfriend’s biker club may come after her for what she did to them.

There are screams, a bite, she runs, but doesn’ t get far.

Thank God for Billy Joe.

Got 5 or 10 minutes, check out this fun and quirky supernatural tale.

I think the title shows that the story will not be all blood and guts, but smiles and laughter with the light hearted and comical writing.

Sometimes I find it hard to write a review for a story so short, 23 Kindle pages, without giving too much away.

That being said, I find it amazing that Echo Shea could pack so much into such a small place.

I read this four times and liked it better each time.

I received a copy of A Tinfoil Hat Of My Own by Echo Shea in return for an honest and unbiased review.

3 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Dealing with the devastating end to her long-term relationship with Cobweb, Eunice decides to pick up the broken pieces of her heart and glue them back together with the healing song of nature and a nourishing brandy to replenish the soul.

As evening falls on her drunken pity party in the park, it’s time to head home and deal with the consequences of the not-so-anonymous tip to the cops and what she may or may not have done to Cobweb’s bike–and clubhouse.

All thoughts of that end when something bigger than a pissed off biker gets aold of her–nothing says burning calories like booking it through woods with a mermaid-killing werewolf at your heels.

Will Cobweb miss her? Will Eunice survive?

Friendship, bikers, werewolves, and repurposed tinfoil. Some stories just have it all.

My review for Light A Candle For The Beast by Echo Shea

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What are you reading?

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Teaser Tuesday #47 – A Killer Past by Maris Soule

Posted on August 18, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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A Killer Past by Maris Soule

Can we run from the past? I don’t think so.

Add me to Goodreads now.

TEASER

“He’…How to explain? ‘I think he threatened me.”

“What did he say?”

“He told me to stop checking into Mary Harrington’s background. Said if I didn’t my actions could have consequences.”

(57% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

When two gang members choose Mary Harrington as their target, the quiet widow has a secret to share of her own

Most people in the town of Rivershore, Michigan view Mary Harrington as a quiet widow whose only oddity is that she spends a lot of time at the gym. Her son thinks it’s time for her to move into a retirement home. Two gang members think she’ll be an easy target. No one in Rivershore knows what Mary did in her younger years—really did—but the two gang members discover they’ve underestimated their victim . . . and Mary fears reverting to old habits may have jeopardized her future.

Cover linked to Amazon. I am an affiliate.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

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If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

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Teaser Tuesday #46 – Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki

Posted on August 11, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki

I am currently 27% into Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki. I was intrigued by the premise, a writer and his muse.

I love the “sweetness” of the cover. I feel as if she is waiting for just the right moment to reach out to him. And when she does…

Mortal-Musings-Cover Add me to Goodreads now.

TEASER

All he saw was Alexandra, weaving through flowers that reached to her as though ready to whisper all their secrets. Not exactly right for a mystery novel..

(27% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

Muse Alexandra has had it with the arrogant, ungrateful humans she is obligated to inspire. When the internal ranting of her latest charge pushes her past reason, she disregards the rules and forces her own words through his fingers, and is instantly entrapped in mortal form. With no magic, no identity, and no resources, Allie has no alternative but to navigate the mortal realm, depending entirely on her reluctant host while discerning what exactly caused her transformation — and how to reverse it.

Brett doesn’t have a chance to consider the words that mysteriously showed up on his screen; he’s too distracted by the stunning woman who appeared in his office out of nowhere. Before his brain can catch up, Brett’s uninvited guest becomes enmeshed in his everyday life. Her artless innocence gradually lessens his suspicions. Most importantly, the writer’s block that’s been plaguing him dissolves under the fantasies the naively beguiling Alexandra inspires.

All too soon, the forced proximity sparks a confounding awareness neither writer nor muse are able to resist.

Cover linked to Amazon. I am an affiliate.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Teaser Tuesday #45 – FREE Middle Grade Fantasy, The Fisherman’s Son by Marilyn Peake

Posted on July 28, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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The Fisherman’s Son by Marilyn Peake is a middle grade fantasy. Her last newsletter announced it was free, so I quickly checked it out.

I mean look at that cover – dolphins, swimming and playing in the sunshine. I can almost feel the water flowing across my as I swim with the dolphins.

The Fisherman’s Son by Marilyn Peak is still FREE. Just click on the cover and get your copy. While you are there, be sure and pick up the other two, The City of the Golden Sun and Return of the Golden Age.

Ready to have some fun. Let’s dive right in…

Add me to Goodreads now.

TEASER

…Wiley collapsed on the couch, put his face in his hands, and began to sob uncontrollably. Deep in his heart, he expected that someone would come over to him and comfort him.

Do you think anyone did?

(28% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

THE FISHERMAN’S SON is a middle grade fantasy novel about the adventures of Wiley O’Mara. On the back of a magical dolphin, the twelve-year-old rescues six boys trapped in an ancient city under the sea. Along the way, he fights both The Beast in the Forest and a Fire Beast guarding the city of old.

REVIEWS

PIERS ANTHONY, author of the Xanth series, the Incarnations of Immortality series, the Adept series, and so much more!
Now I have read The Fisherman’s Son. This is a nice children’s fantasy, grounded in realism. Even the fantastic element is realistic, in that the dolphin doesn’t abridge the rules just for convenience; the right introduction has to be made. It’s not all right to make the excuse “I lost the cup because of a bear.”

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief of the “Midwest Book Review”
The Fisherman’s Son is a delightful and colorfully narrated tale which documents Marilyn Peake as a story teller of considerable narrative skill.

Rebecca Brown, Founder of “RebeccasReads”
The Fisherman’s Son is a complex tale simply written, with fascinating detail & unblinking reality borrowing from legends & sagas deep within our collective memories.

Phillip Tomasso III, “The Best Reviews”
Marilyn Peake has burst onto the scene as a promising writer with the release of her first middle grade novel, The Fisherman’s Son.

…Peake is a talented, creative and passionate storyteller. The Fisherman’s Son is a thought provoking, heart-felt fantasy novel with a twist. It lends itself to great discussion questions to be reviewed with parents, teachers, or friends. Easy to pick up and read, hard to put down.

Beverly J. Rowe, “My Shelf”
The author’s descriptions of the underwater world are exhilarating as Wiley traverses the depths and meets up with wonderful undersea creatures and the fearsome dragon-beast that guards the entrance to the village.

This book would be a great read-aloud project for the whole family.

Tracy Farnsworth, “Roundtable Reviews”
Marilyn Peake launches her debut with a fast paced offering that contains excellent imagery amidst a coming of age story.

The Fisherman’s Son will appeal to readers both young and old.
This relatively quick read is a perfect offering for those who love fantasy.

Sharon Schulz-Elsing, Contributing Editor of “Curled Up With a Good Book”
Marilyn Peake’s first fantasy novel for young readers, The Fisherman’s Son, calls to mind all the mystery and wonder of Orson Scott Card’s earlier mythological works such as Hart’s Hope or Seventh Son in its quest-style tale, and in its evocative descriptions of a place much like early nineteenth-century Ireland comes close to the lush and luminous visual treatment of John Sayles’ magical film The Secret of Roan Innish.

…this children’s debut shines with fear, wonder, triumph and loss. Few readers will be able to resist this tale of a resourceful young boy…

Jennie S. Bev
This first book by author Marilyn Peake shows her tremendous talent in story telling.

In many ways, I found The Fisherman’s Son a strong novel for children.

Cheryl McCann, “Review-Books”
The Fisherman’s Son is a children’s novel filled with fantasy, adventure and the heroic qualities of a brave, young boy. Even though it is considered a children’s book, I certainly enjoyed the rich, descriptive text of this tale.

Covers are linked to Amazon.

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I have been toying with a way to make things stand out, such as synopsis, about the author and some important details, like commenting problems.

Which do you like better (this or the above), or do you have another suggestion? I would love to have your input. Thanks so much and happy reading.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

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Teaser Tuesday #44 – Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L Reid

Posted on June 30, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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Pretty Dark Nothing, Book I, by Heather L Reid is a horror novel that’s a bit different from the norm. Sure there are demons and a battle between good and evil, but we also have a psychic and an amnesiac (why an amnesiac is a story in itself). I am really on Book II, Pretty Dark Sacrifice of the Pretty Dark series. It is available for pre order, so if you like Pretty Dark Nothing, you won’t have long to wait.

Add Me to Goodreads now.

TEASE ONE

It only took a second for the veil between reality and nightmare to rip.

TEASE TWO

Dragging Quinn through the splintered void, the fog suspended her in its web across the black abyss of the tunnel below, until, one by one, the tendrils unraveled and dissipated into the walls, leaving gravity to pull her into a long, terrifying free fall.(1% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

It’s been twenty three days since Quinn has slept for more than minutes at a time. Demons have invaded her dreams, stalking her, and whispering of her death. The lack of sleep and crippling fear are ruining her life. Energy drinks and caffeine pills don’t make a dent. When Quinn dozes off in the school hallway, Aaron, an amnesiac with a psychic ability, accidentally enters her nightmare. The demons are determined to keep them apart, and Aaron from discovering the secret locked away in his memory. Together, they could banish the darkness back to the underworld for good. That is, unless the demons kill them first.

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I am a “cover girl”. What do you think of the cover for Pretty Dark Sacrifice by Heather L Reid by Mette Breth Designs?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Teaser Tuesday #43 – Bleedovers by William Todd Rose

Posted on June 16, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

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Bleedovers by William Todd Rose is a dark horror novella. It is available for pre order.

Cover links to Amazon.

Add Me to Goodreads now.

MY TEASE

According to protocol, Nodens was supposed to have been no different than the equipment that kept him alive: just another useful tool, destined to break down and be replaced with a newer model. Knowing protocol, however, was not necessarily the same as following it.

(18% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

Sure to thrill readers of Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Dean Koontz—William Todd Rose’s new dark horror novella is a tale of bloody retribution that blurs the line between the waking world and the terrors of the night.

There’s only one thing standing between humanity and the dark forces of the supernatural: the secret agency known as The Institute. The organization depends on regular guys like Chuck, a Level I Recon and Enforcement Technician who guides tormented spirits into the next life.

From an office deep underground, Chuck projects his spirit into Crossfades, monstrous realms where the souls of the dead, unable to move on due to fear or anger, devise macabre tortures for themselves and one another. He’s always been able to leave his work behind at the end of the day . . . until now.

First in dreams, then in waking nightmares, Crossfades are bleeding into the physical world. And now it’s up to Chuck—along with his partner, a woman named Control—to put a stop to it. Because there’s no telling what might come over from the other side.