Big Little Secrets (Are Exposed) by A B Whelan @AuthorABWhelan

Posted on April 29, 2022 by fundinmental

MY REVIEW

A B Whelan is a must read author for me, so I was super excited to have another novel from her. AND secrets, I love when secrets are exposed and the shit hits the fan, so let’s get started on the review for Big Little Secrets.

First, we’ll meet Nelli Horvath, a Hungarian immigrant and the wife of Clint Horvath. She made one mistake during her teenage years and it has haunted her ever since. Her life has been gray, with moments of happiness here and there. She keeps tight control of herself, lest her secret from the past escapes. She didn’t expect much from life when she fled Hungary and came to the United States…but then, she met Clint. What can be so bad she can’t share it with her husband?

Things are happening around her and when the invitation for her twentieth reunion came, she felt she had no choice but to attend. She loves her husband, but she will travel to Hungary alone. I can’t imagine living under the weight of her worry, her guilt, just waiting for the anvil to drop and crush her.

She had lived under socialism in Hungary where you learned, ‘It is what it is.’ I learned a bit about Hungary, its people and their cuisine. I love when an author does their research.

My rating: For most of the book I kept thinking my rating would be a three, but the mystery was not easily solved because of so many moving parts and the ending was worth a star, seeing it was unexpected and left me feeling sad and angry, and sad and angry….

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Big Little Secrets by A B Whelan.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A complex and fast-paced atmospheric thriller—a terrifying journey through a maze of secrets and locations, leading to a jaw-dropping culmination of unexpected events.

“I now know that my wife has dark secrets, and I must discover how a horrific accident twenty years ago is connected to my wife’s disappearance … before it’s too late.”

Nelli Horvath is a Hungarian immigrant, seemingly living the American dream with her husband, Clint, and their son, Ryan, in Las Vegas. After receiving an invitation to her 20th high school reunion, Nelli flies back to her home country for the first time after nearly two decades, and that’s the last time her American family sees her.

Determined to find his missing wife, Clint travels to Hungary for the first time, where he races against the clock, chasing clues through historical towns and dangerous places to investigate the whereabouts of his missing wife.

Caught in a web of old secrets and murderous lies, Clint realizes how little he truly knows his wife, leaving him to wonder if he really knows her at all.

ABOUT A B WHELAN

New release: No One Can Hear You Scream is a gripping, atmospheric psychological thriller about obsession, survival, and family bonds, releasing on October 20th.

Whelan is an Amazon bestselling author of domestic psychological thrillers.

She currently resides in California with her husband and two children. When she isn’t writing, editing, marketing, or researching her next book, you can find her walking her two rescue dogs, socializing online, coaching soccer, or doing another DIY project with her husband.

Find me on:
* Facebook (AuthorABWhelan)
* Instagram (authorabwhelan)
* Goodreads (A.B. Whelan)
* Twitter (AuthorABWhelan)
* Bookbub: A.B. Whelan

MY A B WHELAN REVIEW

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Follow The Rules – Wall Men by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff @MimiJeanRomance

Posted on April 28, 2022 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

As Grandma Rain lay in her hospital bed, dying, she says, “You’re late.”

Grandma Rain had raised Lake, after her parents disappeared. As they talk, Grandma Rain cracks me up with her dialogue.

“Lake, I broke the rules. Once and only once. It cost me your mother’s life. Your father’s too. Not that I gave a crap about him. Useless prick. But you loved that man. And you lost him because of me…The Wall Men took them. They did it to punish me because I wouldn’t set them free.”

A haunted house. It is so much more than that. Wall Men is not like any other haunted house story I have read. I love when an author takes an original approach to an oft told tale. No one can say that Mimi Jean Pamfiloff doesn’t have original thoughts.

Lake has no idea what is happening in the house, but did she have to do that to get the answers? Worlds collide and she has a vital role to fulfill to save them all and prevent a War of the Worlds.

I won’t share her travails, only tell you that they are worth finding out for yourself.

Thrills and chills abound in a world you need to ‘see’ to believe.

I never know what will happen when I crack open a Mimi Jean Pamfiloff book, but she never fails to surprise me with her ability to create worlds and characters that will keep me reading until the last page is read.

We have smiles and laughs with the pain and loss…BUT, the story doesn’t end here and I can hardly wait to read more.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wall Men by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.

GOODREADS BLURB

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a suspenseful Dark Fantasy, Wall Men, Book One. (Book Two, coming June 2022!)

MONSTERS? VAMPIRES? GHOSTS AND DEMONS? MEN WHO GUARD THE WALL BETWEEN US AND THEM.

I’m sitting at my grandma’s bedside, moments away from losing her, when she begins to rant about monsters and men trapped in her old mansion. I practically grew up there, so I know it’s the pain meds talking. There’s nothing inside that drafty house except rotting books, rusty pipes, and neglected antiques.

“I’ve written down all the rules, Lake. You must follow them,” she tells me, gasping for air. “The Wall Men cannot get free. They are soulless and evil. They will try to seduce you. But you cannot listen. They must remain chained to the wall.”

What the…?

In her final breath, she makes me swear to read her journals. But above all, I must promise to never go inside her bedroom, the one that’s always kept locked.

Madness!

Weeks after her funeral, I’m forced to confront the neglected estate she’s left behind. I can’t afford the taxes, so it has to be cleaned and sold.

That’s when I hear a deep velvety voice on the other side of her bedroom door, demanding to be let out.

And dammit if I don’t want to break my promise and see who’s on the other side.

ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.

Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.

She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

MY MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF REVIEWS

Colel (The Immortal Matchmakers 5)
Brutus (The Immortal Matchmakers 6)
God Of Temptation (The Immortal Matchmakers 7)
Fanged Love
The Librarian’s Vampire Assistant (Book I)
The Librarian’s Vampire Assistant (Book V)
The Librarian’s Vampire Assistant (Book VI)
Ultra Mega Love (RevoLUVtion)
Lord King (The King Series)
Oh Baby Please (TheOHellNo Series)

MY M O MACK REVIEWS

She’s Got The Money (The Suite #45 Series)

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Florida’s Gulf Coast – Fishing The Local Waters by Jim Hoskins #JimHoskins

Posted on April 25, 2022 by fundinmental

Fishing the Local Waters: Gulf Shores to Panama City

Amazon / Goodreads

Fishing the Local Waters is a great introduction to fishing on the Gulf Coast: the types of fish, prime areas to fish, equipment to fish with, the different methods of fishing and delicious recipes to cook those fish. Includes, maps and GPS coordinates. I do enjoy fishing and would recommend this tacklebox size book packed with useful information.

GOODREADS BLURB

Two local fishermen share their favorite spots and special techniques in this tackle-box sized guide to angling in Florida’s gulf coast waters. From inland jaunts to shore fishing to a day trip on a boat, the chapters cover everything a tourist or curious local needs for a fruitful outing. Information on the best bait, tackle, and methods are included, as are important safety tips, maps showing choice fishin’ holes, and local recipes for cooking up the catch of the day. LORAN coordinates to more than 50 proven spots to drop a line are included, and a directory of fishing businesses on the Emerald Coast completes this angling guide.

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Review – Hidden Magic by Carmen Webster Buxton @CarmenWBuxton

Posted on April 18, 2022 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Lord Garrick has an ambitious plan. On the surface, it sounds good, though it took a battle to bring him and Rickart face to face. Garrick wants Rickart to swear allegiance to him, the Lord of Cold Spring, bringing Esterby under his umbrella. I have a suspicious nature and see conspiracies around every corner…when it comes to novels. 🙂

Maura, Rickart’s sister, comes to Cold Spring to encourage Garrick to release Rickart and Garrick is smitten.

Magic had been banished under Garrick’s father’s rule and I won’t tell much about that because I want you to find out for yourself. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

The action is mild with many face to face conversations and I loved to watch the interactions. It is not so much manipulation as showing a person what could be.

Rickart is only eighteen. His father’s death made him the leader of Esterby. He puts his life on the line for his people, yet has a lot of life lessons to learn.

Gertie may be a peripheral character, but like Maura, I feel her importance. She is a pit bull and I love her.

“…Mother’s watching over her like a bitch with a one litter puppy.” I love that. I thought of the pitbull reference before I read that quote. It explains why Carmen Webster Buxton is a must read author for me and I love her stories so much. We seem to speak the same language.

As I learn more about Garrick, I love how Carmen Webster Buxton has written the story. Most of sword/sorcery fantasies I have read have brutal wars raging, blood and guts flying. Hidden Magic is more about characters coming together for the benefit of making a stronger unit.

Innocent romance.

Whether Carmen Webster Buxton meant to send a message or not, these characters made me feel good and have hope…that even in today’s real world, things change, circumstances change, rules change…nothing is written that can’t be rewritten.

Hidden Magic is not a series, the story is complete…unless you would like to prolong the ending by imagining what comes next for yourself.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Hidden Magic by Carmen Webster Buxton.

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

The valley of the River Wystan is isolated from the rest of the world. Many years before it had been united under the Lord of Cold Spring, who had suppressed the practice of magic. But when he died, his son wasn’t strong enough to hold the other lords’ loyalty. Now Lord Garrick, the new Lord of Cold Spring, means to resume his grandfather’s role of overlord for the whole valley. Young Richart Tallengen, newly minted Lord of Esterby, tries to fight off Lord Garrick’s men, but he’s captured and carried to Cold Spring Castle. When his sister Maura comes to Cold Spring to see her brother, she catches Lord Garrick’s eye. Lord Garrick is as attracted by her courage and her brains as much as by her looks, but he is very surprised to discover that there is more to Maura than meets the eye. She has magical abilities, even though she doesn’t know it.

ABOUT CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON

Carmen Webster Buxton spent her youth reading every book published by Ursula LeGuin, Robert Heinlein and Georgette Heyer. This combination of far-future worlds, alien cultures, and old-fashioned courting customs influenced her writing, especially in her ThreeCon series.

Carmen was born in Hawaii and experienced a peripatetic childhood, as her father was in the US Navy. Having raised two wonderful children, she now lives in Maryland with her husband Charlie, and a beagle named Cosmo. She writes science fiction (often including a romance, and mostly set in the far future), and the occasional fantasy.

Carmen has published many books:

WAKANREO SERIES
Alien Bonds
Alien Vows
Alien Skies

HAVEN SERIES
The Sixth Discipline
No Safe Haven

THREECON SERIES (can be read in any order)
The Nostalgia Gambit
Saronna’s Gift
Shades of Empire
Tribes
Worlds Apart

ALTERNATE HISTORY
King of Trees

YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION
Turnabout
Drifters

FANTASY
Where Magic Rules
Bag of Tricks
Hidden Magic

THE NAMELESS WORLD SAGA (coming in 2021)
The North Edge of Nowhere
Oaths and Promises

Carmen often blogs about ereaders, digital publishing, writing, and speculative fiction. Visit her blog to see what’s coming out next! To ask questions or to provide feedback on her books, send email to carmen.webster.buxton (at) gmail.com.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON REVIEWS

Where Magic Rules (on Goodreads)
Tribes (Threecon) (on Goodreads)
Shades of Empire (Threecon) (on Goodreads)
Drifters (Threecon)
Alien Bonds (Wakanreo Series)
Alien Vows (Wakanreo Series)
Alien Skies (Wakanreo Series)
Bag of Tricks

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Review – Stolen In The Dark by Scarlett West @iamscarlettwest

Posted on April 14, 2022 by fundinmental

Scarlett West is a new author for me, but when I got the chance to read the first two books in the Fae Bureau of Investigation series, I had to jump at it. What you do think of the concept?

Stolen in the Dark (Fae Bureau of Investigation, #1)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have my fingers crossed that I won’t be left high and dry in this series, seeing there will be five books, but I had to check them out and I am very glad I did.

I immediately liked Adalee when I ‘saw’ how she interacted with Gavin. Since her parents were kidnapped, he was the only one that cared about her, coming by the bar and checking to see she was okay. I do have a feeling about him, but we shall see.

Business at the bar had dropped and she would have to decide what to do soon. Rent was coming due and she couldn’t cover it. So convenient that the raven haired man came to her rescue.

“I’m 100% sure you are the one I’ve been searching for.”

Fae are disappearing and if they die, the earth dies. Adalee doesn’t even know she is Fae, let alone there is a whole world of supernatural out there and she will become a part of it. Damien changed her life forever and recruits her for the FBI, the Fae Bureau of Investigation.

Adalee does not take anything sitting down. She is quick with her words and bucks his orders at every turn. She doesn’t realize how much danger her actions put him in, but he is her fated mate, whether she likes it or not, and he will do whatever it takes to protect her.

I wouldn’t mind having his nifty trick of making a hot cup of coffee appear.

I have read a lot of paranormal/supernatural novels, but not many of them feature the Fae. The Fae have their own set of rules and some could find them disturbing. It was fun and interesting learning about their world and spending time in it.

The action comes quickly and doesn’t stop. If she’s not fighting off Damien’s advances, she’s fighting the Unseelie. I got wrapped up in Adalee and Damien’s love story and it ended at a crucial spot. It was a good place to take a break…if you have to.

My biggest disappointment…I thought I had the first two books in the series, but I have Books I and III. 🙁

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Stolen in the Dark by Scarlett West.

GOODREADS BLURB

He forced me into their world. Now dark enemies want me dead.

When an attempted kidnapping leads me to be rescued by a dark and sexy Fae, I assume life can’t be any stranger… Until I discover I’m his fated mate, and that he needs my help to stop a ruthless enemy from kidnapping his kind.

If someone doesn’t stop the brutal attacks, it could lead to earth’s ultimate destruction, so if I want to survive, I have to join the Fae Bureau of Investigation, with Damien as my superior.

But while Damien may be both hot as hell and my one-time hero, my unearthly ability to sense things through my hair is telling me to run: Damien can’t be trusted, and I would hate him as my boss.

With the enemy closing in, though, time is running out for me to make my choice: join the Bureau…or return home to my death.

Readers who enjoy Karen Marie Moning, Laurell K. Hamilton, Amelia Hutchins, and Lindsay Hall, will love this dangerous and sexy urban fantasy.

Stolen in the Dark is a steamy, urban fantasy romance that is book one out of five. Scroll Up and One Click to start reading this hot paranormal romance today!

ABOUT SCARLETT WEST

Scarlett West writes steamy, paranormal romance featuring sexy Fae. Deep characters and hot romance are her thing.

An avid reader and writer who will never stop dreaming, Scarlett has traveled to many countries and been on tons of adventures. She draws her stories from these places, life experiences, and her grand imagination.

Besides writing, she’s a hobby herbalist and a dancer. If she’s not by the computer typing these things up, she can be found in a forest, on a mountain, or by the ocean.

Scarlett West would like to thank her three F’s: Fans, Family, and Friends. Thank you forever for your support.

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Tell Her by Chris Patchell Puts Lacey In The Crosshairs Of A Killer @chris_patchell

Posted on April 13, 2022 by fundinmental

I have been with Lacey James since the beginning and love the character that Chris Patchell has created. The covers are AMAZING! Chris Patchell has created a fabulous brand for the series.

The covers are linked to my reviews. They are so gorgeous I had to share them all.

Big. Bold. Beautiful.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Sweet Home, Oregon, is a small town, but it sure has its share of murders. This time, it’s JJ. He had come to town to disappear, but left Spot, one of the town bars, with a target on his back.

I love Lacey. I don’t know how she does all she does. She is giving, loyal, dedicated. I smile with her, but still do not understand her home life. I have had no use for Caleb since I have really got to know him. What did he think was going to happen when he came home to stay? I am suspicious. Is there more to his story? I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him. To me, he’s like a weight around her neck and I think she will be better off without him. HA HA Maybe….well, that is for another day.

I love the interaction, the dialogue and smiles, between Lacey and her partner, Eli. It’s obvious how much he cares for her, but never steps across the line and I have mucho respect for an author keeping her characters of importance on the up and up.

Knowing Chris Patchell, I find it hard to believe that a bar fight was the reason for JJ’s death. It’s too easy. The suspects are mounting as are questions and alibis. In my mind I have ruled out one, but ya never know. Secrets make for suspects.

Lacey is cracking me up again. She takes no crap, so it surprises me how she handles Caleb with kid gloves. I get it, but letting guilt over working…isn’t that what happens in real life all too often. She does the best she can and I don’t see her kids having a problem with it. I love sharing her trials and tribulations with her, supporting her, hoping she will get what she deserves, a HEA. She has earned it!

Tell Her by Chris Patchell is more about Lacey’s personal life and the town’s secrets, than the crime and I am fine with that. It keeps me hungry for more and I am so excited for Hide Her by Chris Patchell.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Tell Her by Chris Patchell.

GOODREADS BLURB

Dark secrets are exposed when a killer comes to town.

When Officer Lacey James is called to the scene of a brutal murder, she doesn’t recognize the victim. Jonathan Jones–JJ is new to Sweet Home. Everyone Lacey talks to in the close-knit community claims he was a good guy, but someone is lying. Someone wanted JJ dead. And someone else knows why.

On the hunt for the murderer, Lacey reconstructs the victim’s trail. A bar fight. A bloody footprint. A faulty timeline. Together with her partner, Eli Davidson, Lacey pieces together the clues while keeping track of the witnesses’ lies. Each twist in the case raises new questions about the victim. About the motive behind the crime. Until Lacey and Eli unearth a piece of salacious gossip that sends the investigation reeling down a dark and dangerous path.

Will the killer be punished?

Or will the hunt for the truth land Lacey in the crosshairs of a killer?

I cannot wait for Hide Her by Chris Patchell. Check out the cover!!! I got shivers. Oh man, it is calling out to me, loudly!. From the horses mouth (Chris Patchell):

Thought I was only planning 3 books in the series, I quickly realized that Lacey needed a book 4 and so, I just “broke ground” on Hide Her.

ABOUT CHRIS PATCHELL

Chris Patchell is the bestselling author of In the Dark and the Indie Reader Discovery Award winning novel Deadly Lies. Having recently left her long-time career in tech to pursue her passion for writing full-time, Chris pens gritty suspense novels set in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her family and two neurotic dogs.

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MY CHRIS PATCHELL REVIEWS

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Review – Desecrated Flesh by C A Rene @IndieSagePR

Posted on April 11, 2022 by fundinmental

Warning: This is not for the faint of heart. The characters have issues, the sex is raw, graphic, including rape, bondage…

Such a pretty cover, not so the story inside. I grabbed the book from Indie Sage because of the blurb for His Affliction, which is the third book in the characters story and I had to start at the beginning.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I grabbed this book because I love damaged characters and these guys have some serious issues. I became engrossed from the opening pages…

Lying there, drugged, getting raped, she remembered her mama’s words: boys can never be trusted. Her life is changed forever, but changed in ways she never could have anticipated.

I am finding it hard to write the review. I want to warn you about the filth these characters live in, yet who am I to judge? All I can do is share my thoughts about them, about what they do to each other, about the bullying and abuse they heap on one person in particular.

Kimmy is Kailey’s best friend and I would love to have one just like her. She sticks by her side, through thick and thin, but Kailey is not one to take things lying down, any more. She fights back in her own way. She has a mouth and uses it. I love that she doesn’t cower. She stands up for herself, but something has changed. They are watching her, closely.

The title is so appropriate. I’m not sure how I would have made it through the things Hailey does. Would I have taken my life? Beat the hell out of some people? Killed someone?

The beautiful cover and cute chapter headings that signify a change to show which character’s point of view is being shared, put a pretty light on an ugly story.

“We may be a ragtag group of varying degrees of fucked up, but I know we’d do anything for Hailey Hamari.” If you read the book, you will see how twisted this statement is.

As I read the story, I thought…what the hell? Would do anything for her? Then why aren’t they standing up for her? That story will be told…

I love damaged characters, but WOW..these are off the charts. I am confused, at a loss for words, so on to the next book in the Desecrated Duet, Desecrated Essence to find out what the hell is really going on. Why do they feel Hailey deserves what is happening to her, day after day after day.

I voluntarily reviewed Desecrated Flesh by C A Rene.

GOODREADS BLURB

All it took was one bad decision,
A need to numb the pain that threatened to tear me apart.
He was someone I trusted,
And he made a decision that would forever ruin me.
They used to be my best friends,
But after that night, I never wanted to see them again.
Now they hate me and will stop at nothing to watch me suffer.
But what do they know about suffering?
After what I’ve been through,
Everything they throw at me is child’s play.
One more year and I’ll be free of them,
Never having to be reminded of that fateful night.
A lot can happen in a year…

ABOUT C A RENE (from her website)

First off… Call me Chrissy!

I’m so glad you’re here, whether it’s because you found me from reading my books or hit a link, I’m just ecstatic you decided to check me out.

In my books you will find complete inclusivity and I refuse to be kept in any specific box. I write across all genres and dabble in just about everything.

To keep up with all new releases and teasers for all my upcoming books, you can follow me on any social media platform!

Lover of all things dark. I love to read it, write it, own it, eat it, whatever it. My addictions include Coffee, books, and WINE, in that order.

Website / Facebook / Bookbub / Instagram

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Graphic Novel – The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez #FranckThillez #Papercutz

Posted on April 6, 2022 by fundinmental

I haven’t done many, if any, graphic novels, but The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez, with Yomgui Dumont (Illustrations) made me think of Scooby Doo and the gang, so I had to have it.

Do you read grahic novels?

The Nightmare Brigade #1: The Case of The Girl from Deja Vu

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I jumped at a chance to read The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez because it made me think of Scooby Doo and the gang and I love them.

I haven’t read a lot of graphic novels, but I used to read a lot of comics as a kid. Reading The Nightmare Brigade brought back those memories. The illustrations are awesome, so richly detailed that I found myself investigating each panel for clues as to what is terrifying Sarah in her nightmare. That’s when I found out that what happens to the dream brigade in the dream, happens for real, whether it’s an injury, death, or anything else. But, they do have special powers, whether it is walking for someone who can’t walk, being able to go through walls, or flying. Each power will be needed to help those who are having the nightmares…and, eventually getting rid of their nightmare permanently.

There is even more danger than them being real in the dream, they must prevent anyone or anything from following them out and, if things go terribly wrong, they could be stuck in someone’s dream…forever. The Nightmare Brigade deals with real issues, mystery and danger.

I think this is a fantastic glimpse into an adventure series that will delight middle graders. You will not get all the answers, but when I found out about Esteban it only whet my appetite for more. There is more going on than first meets the eye.

To sum it all up…I loved it. I think the youngsters will too. And, they will get a bit of knowledge on the brain, nightmares and dreams.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez.

GOODREADS BLURB

The Nightmare Brigade is a dream team led by Professor Angus. With his two young sidekicks, 14 year-olds Esteban and Tristan, they have one goal: help people get rid of their worst nightmares. With unique skills, the team members can literally infiltrate their patient’s nightmare to seek its root and destroy the cause. Things are shaken up a bit, however, when they meet the young Sarah. The Brigade has a feeling they have seen her before… Then, an insomniac is invading other’s dreams. How does he do it and how can he be stopped? It’s a paranormal story you won’t want to sleep on!

This first volume in The NIghtmare Brigade features a diverse cast of adolescents tackling themes that everyone faces as they grow up: fears of aging, abandonment, and death. It creates page turning intrigue by weaving outer mysteries with character secrets. Intended for readers eight and up, this dazzling horror mix is perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Tim Burton, and Inception, and is sure to become a reader favorite for school and home libraries alike.

ABOUT FRANK THILLEZ

Franck Thillez, a former engineer in new technologies, is the author of about fifteen successful crime novels. With the adaptation of his novel “Room of Death” (wonner of the SNCF prize for French crime fiction), Franck Thilez is also a screenwriter.

ABOUT YOMGUI DUMONT

After having completed his studies in applied arts, Yomgui Dumont has worked wherever he was able to move a mouse and a pencil: cartoons, multimedia, advertising, and the press. His first series are Raph’ and Potetoz, Chamres noires, and E;cole de PAN. He has published around twenty graphic novels and teen novels.

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Series Finale – The Immortals by Jeff Altabef @jeffaltabef

Posted on April 5, 2022 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

‘Better to die with light than live in the darkness.’

“All great revolutions and movements start with a few people meeting in secret, hatching plans to change their worlds. More often than not, it ended in failure and the death of those involved.”

A prophecy: A boy made of light will end Eden from the darkness and break the curse that strangles it and the world.

It has been a while since I read the last book in the series, Ghost King, but everything came back to me pretty quick. It all began when someone dreamed up The Red Death (Book I), a plague that quickly took over the world.

“…We treated the world so shabbily that is was bound to fight back…”

I love books that hint at the real world, yet keep me living the fantasy.

I have almost two pages of notes and I know I can’t use them all. It would spoil everything for those who want to enter the world of The Red Death. The Red Death kills all those who were in their twenties and older. Everything is connected. If one world falls, they all fall, so the darkness must be faced head on. It starts with Eden.

We first meet Thorn and Rose, as they look out at Eden, hoping to have found a home, but it was not to be. As they travel through life, they are complete opposites and end up with opposing goals. Thorn had grown tired of war, but Rose was so driven to take Eden, he wondered why?

Thorn and Rose are the Immortals…chosen by the Devil. Wilky has come a long way, from a bumbling young man who couldn’t communicate, to a king. The Painted Ones, The Cursed Tribe…they were counting on Wilky and Aaliss to save them, and what they would do would cross all realms.

Aaliss had felt the Creator had deserted her because she was surrounded by death and then, Wilky returns from the Ghost Rider’s realm, a grown man. They needed to return to Eden to stop her uncle and his evil plans. He was a traitor. Aaliss is in love with Eamon, but when his father died, he became king and they both had a different road to take. Would they come together in the end?

I love this: Man had their chance and had screwed up the world so badly, it would take a girl to set things right. Could that apply to today?

“…for all who passed, so we can live in the light.”

I know not all will survive and when they called off the names of those who had fallen, I shared their sorrow. Much was sacrificed for those who chose to do the right thing.

The story was unpredictable, the battles crossed realms, the characters ranged from evil to angelic, the magic crossed all boundaries, the prophecy came to life and The Red Death…well, you will need to get the details for yourself. The series is complete, the story told and the characters live on…in everyone’s mind who has read it.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Immortals by Jeff Altabef.

GOODREADS BLURB

Most believe the Immortals are a myth, a folk story meant to frighten children, but Wilky and Aaliss discover the truth is even more frightening than the myths.

Wilky, once a boy filled with light and a healer, is now the Ghost King, drawn to darkness and violence. As powerful enemies descend on Eden, he must find another, the true child of light, to help him save Eden and keep the world from descending into darkness. Does he have time? Can he still be trusted? Will he instead succumb to power and darkness?

Meanwhile, Aaliss is pushed to the limit to bring justice to Eden, and joins with the most unlikely of allies. In the end, she must accept the magic inside her, or all will be lost. Will she pass her ultimate test?

EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS the thrilling conclusion to the multiple award-winning “Red Death” series of epic fantasy/dystopian adventures, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very last page.

ABOUT JEFF ALTABEF (from Amazon)

Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of “telling stories,” he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, was his debut novel. Shatter Point, a thriller, published by Evolved Publishing was his second novel. It won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Thriller, Fall 2014.

Jeff’s first Young Adult novel, Wind Catcher: A Chosen Novel, is being published on March 23rd by Evolved Publishing. He’s very happy and proud that his co-author is his teenaged daughter, Erynn Altabef. Wind Catcher has won the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for Coming of Age Novels, the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award for Best YA Fiction and a Mom’s Choice Award.

As an avid Knicks fan, Jeff is prone to long periods of melancholy during hoops season. Jeff has a column on The Examiner focused on writing and a blog designed to encourage writing by those who like telling stories.

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MY JEFF ALTABEF REVIEWS

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Review – Bag of Tricks by Carmen Webster Buxton @CarmenWBuxton

Posted on April 4, 2022 by fundinmental

Carmen Webster Buxton is a fabulous storyteller. The wonderful cover fits the story inside perfectly, seeing they spend a lot of time on the road, so to speak.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Bag of Tricks was so well written, with original twists and turns that, even though for most of the book it would be a three star review, I had to give it four. The characters came to life in the magical, fantastical world that Carmen Webster Buxton created and I was lost. Though I never felt an urgent need to read on with white knuckles, my curiousity would not let me put it down. Another plus, no series. You get the complete story!!!!!!

When I went to write the review, I found I forgot to take notes. I was swept along with Aveline and Zarek. These two characters took the spotlight and I so wanted a happy ever after for them. They are selfless, loyal, giving, willing to put their life on the line to do the right thing.

We have royal machinations going on, betrayals and danger. The story is written with a lightness, no in depth details, with wars and blood and guts everywhere. Even the tragic events are written for young adults and I love all the little nuggets of wisdom woven throughout the story.

I feel Carmen Webster Buxton is such a fantastic writer, that no genre is beyond her. I feel she would be a success no matter what story she wanted to tell. I highly recommend any of her work and I hope you give her books a shot. I feel you won’t regret it and may even find a new favorite author for your bookshelf.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bag of Tricks by Carmen Webster Buxton.

GOODREADS BLURB

Aveline is a trained magician, but Princess Inessa, the Heiress of Mazuria, hired her to pose as a lady-in-waiting, to protect her from court intrigues and literally sniff out lies. When a wicked duke tries to force Inessa into marriage, Aveline uses a spell to hide the princess. But even magic has limits, and when Aveline stumbles over Zarek, a man whose life has been cursed by more than one tragedy, she demands his help in getting the princess back to the capital. Zarek is on his own errand, and he’s suspicious of Aveline — magicians are feared — but he does help. As he and Aveline travel Mazuria in company with the princess and his wolf-dog Burden, they come to rely on each other and to respect each other’s skills. After Zarek leaves the two women in what he thinks is a safe refuge, he learns they’re in more danger than ever. So of course he and Burden go back to save them.

Now if only Aveline can bring herself to believe that Zarek wants to save her even more than he wants to save the princess — and admit to herself that what she feels for him goes way beyond gratitude.

ABOUT CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON

Carmen has published many books:

WAKANREO SERIES
Alien Bonds
Alien Vows
Alien Skies

HAVEN SERIES
The Sixth Discipline
No Safe Haven

THREECON SERIES (can be read in any order)
The Nostalgia Gambit
Saronna’s Gift
Shades of Empire
Tribes
Worlds Apart

ALTERNATE HISTORY
King of Trees

YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION
Turnabout
Drifters

FANTASY
Where Magic Rules
Bag of Tricks
Hidden Magic

THE NAMELESS WORLD SAGA (coming in 2021)
The North Edge of Nowhere
Oaths and Promises

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MY CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON REVIEWS