Tag Archives: 4 star review

Dragons, Unicorns and Bianca by Meg Dendler @MegWelchDendler

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I love dragons and this fabulous cover for Bianca and the Journey To Ryuugito is adorable. But, what is that pink thing I am seeing? Is that a Unicorn?

If any of you guys have a youngster that will be reading this, or having it be read to them, I would love to know what they think.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Let’s start off by saying…I LOVE that cover front and back. What is that pink unicorn doing there?

I have been reading and reviewing more children’s books than ever and the Bianca series by Meg Dendler fits in that genre, recommended for 4 – 18 year olds (Amazon). I think different ratings would apply to different age groups within the recommendation. This is a book you would read to the younger ones and want a little more sophisticated for the older ones. I loved it, so…what to do?

It is filled with clean adventure. We have dragons, unicorns, faeries, a water sprite, flutterpurrs (how cute a name is that?)…

Bianca has earned some independence from her father. She is still new to being out of the castle, so she doesn’t know all the ins and outs of social interaction, especially when it comes to royalty. After all, who wants to sit at dinner and not be able to talk at all, to tell of her last adventure in Book I? She is 14 and wants to share. She has questions that, the only way she will get answers to, is to be able to ask them?

Well, all that and I haven’t even looked at my notes.

Ooooo, we have a baby dragon. Princess Bianca the Brave and Percy the Merciful will be put to the test when a handsome visitor makes an appearance. He is requesting their assistance with a dragon egg in a far off kingdom. So over the mountain and through the woods they will go.

I can hardly wait to go on the next adventure with Bianca and Percy. And…will the baby dragon be a part of it? What ya thinkin’ Meg?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bianca: Journey to Ryuugito by Meg Dendler.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Princess Bianca the Brave and Percy the Merciful have settled into a comfortable life together as Bianca steps out of her sheltered, over-protected past. But a handsome visitor from a distant kingdom disturbs their peace. A rare dragon egg has been discovered, and it will hatch in a matter of days. Can Percy and Bianca keep the new dragonet from pillaging the kingdom of Ryuugito? And are they truly prepared for the journey to reach this egg and the dangers waiting for them along the way? With Percy by her side, Bianca will have to prove she is as brave and fearless as her kingdom now believes her to be.

This is the sequel to “Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meg Welch Dendler

Meg Dendler has considered herself a writer since she won a picture book contest in 5th grade and entertained her classmates with ongoing sequels for the rest of the year. Beginning serious work as a freelancer in the ’90s while teaching elementary and middle school, Meg has over one hundred articles in print, including interviews with Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She has won contests with her short stories and poetry, along with multiple international awards for her best-selling “Cats in the Mirror” alien rescue cat children’s book series. Meg is also an editor with Pen-L Publishing and works with independent and self-publishing authors to polish their manuscripts for publication.

Meg and her family (including four cats and her dog, Max) live in Arkansas. Visit her at www.megdendler.com for more information about upcoming books and events and all of Meg’s social media links.

In the first book of the Cats in the Mirror series, “Why Kimba Saved The World,” feisty house cat Kimba learns that she is really part of an alien race and has to pick sides between her loyal human family and her feline destiny. The second book, “Vacation Hiro,” came out in November of 2013. These first two books in the Cats in the Mirror series have been honored with Silver Mom’s Choice Awards, and “Why Kimba Saved The World” won a Bronze Moonbeam Children’s Book Award as “Best First Book.” Book 3, “Miss Fatty Cat’s Revenge,” released on September 12, 2014. A companion book to her Cats in the Mirror series, “Max’s Wild Night,” was published in May, 2015, and Book 4 in the Cats in the Mirror series, “Slinky Steps Out” joined the pack in the spring of 2016. An adult book, “At the Corner of Magnetic and Main,” was released by Pen-L Publishing in September of 2015.

Website / Blog / Newsletter / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / LinkedIn / Instagram

MY MEG DENDLER REVIEWS

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New Release – Black Orchid Girls by Carolyn Arnold @Carolyn_Arnold @HibbertStiles

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YEAH! TODAY IS RELEASE DAY FOR CAROLYN ARNOLD’S LATEST DETECTIVE AMANDA STEELE NOVEL, BLACK ORCHID GIRLS

I love the vibrant cover. Though the flowers on the cover are not black orchids, the black orchid is pertinent to the story. Does it make you wonder why?

Black Orchid Girls (Detective Amanda Steele #4)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love the cover for Black Orchid Girls by Carolyn Arnold, but it doesn’t matter what is on the cover when it comes to reading her books. I have read a lot of them and eagerly pick up each new story she has to share.

Amanda Steele and her partner, Trent, work for the Prince William County Police Department, and before she could even sit down at her desk, she and Trent, were called out to Leeslyvania State Park for a murder. A young woman was found, naked and cleaned of all traces of evidence, except a Black Orchid.

The gorgeous Black Orchid can represent positive and negative connotations. Can symbolize bad luck, death and black magic. Also, strength, virility, sexual desires and success.

Could the fact that Chloe Somner is deep into the environment and climate change be involved? She is a student at Geoffrey Michaels University and attends classes at the Potomac Center for Environmental Science and Policy. She is also involved with Planet Rebirth, an environmental group. She is studying the snails in Leesylvania State Park, where her body was found.

I love when a peripheral character takes center stage, and Zoe does just that. We have met her before. She has become an anchor for Amanda, a bundle of love and joy.

Also, does Amanda have romance on the horizon?

Twists and turns abound. Step by step, suspect by suspect, clue by clue…we investigate.

Characters from the Brandon Fisher FBI series make an appearance.

Carolyn Arnold is a master at penning police procedural’s that keep me on my toes, flipping pages, unable to quit reading until the last page is read. Black Orchid Girls was a quick, easy read, filled with heart in my throat suspense and edge of my seat moments that made it unputdownable.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Black Orchid Girls by Carolyn Arnold.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

The first rays of sun filter through the tall trees, casting a faint light on the girl lying at the water’s edge. Her tears have frozen on her pale face, a black orchid rests against her cold white skin.

When hikers find the body of a beautiful young girl on the banks of the Potomac River, Detective Amanda Steele is shaken and confused. What is the significance of the delicate flower resting on the girl’s torso? A sign of affection, or a twisted killer’s calling card?

The girl is Chloe Somner, a local nineteen-year-old ecology student well-known to the park rangers and loved by all her classmates. Searching Chloe’s home, Amanda can’t work out who could have tempted her to the water in the early hours of the morning, but a long night hunting through cold cases gives her a possible lead: twenty years ago another local girl was murdered, a red rose left on her body. But why would this killer strike again now?

Focused on the past, the last thing Amanda expects is the news that Chloe’s roommate has been found dead, another black orchid left. Terrified that more innocent victims will follow, can Amanda uncover the significance of the flowers and stop this cold-hearted killer before he returns for the next orchid girl…?

A totally compulsive crime thriller! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.

Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Google Play

ABOUT CAROLYN ARNOLD

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Carolyn Arnold

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives north of London, Ontario, with her husband and two beagles and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:  Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

And don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter for up-to-date information on release and special offers at http://carolynarnold.net/newsletters.

MY REVIEWS FOR CAROLYN ARNOLD

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Giveaway – Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman @iReadBookTours

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I am super excited to be a part of the tour for Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman. I love animals and hate whenever any are mistreated. Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest, from any assortment of 750 animals of all types, from dogs, hedgehogs, chickens….

Cindi's Chocolate Valentine

MY REVIEW

The wonderful cover for Cinidi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman is thick, as are the pages, and can definitely handle those sticky fingers that will want to reach out and touch the animals inside.

I found myself chuckling as the critters, Cindi and Pitty Pat, were decorated in costumes and paraded through the neighborhood. I love that creatures of all kinds and disabilities were shared in such a fun way.

And…we are left with a question…Have you ever changed your mind about things you might not like? Sure to inspire your child to answer and I would love to know what they come up with.

I love that some of the proceeds will be donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Join Us for This Tour from February 1 to February 14!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher:  Book Baby 
Release date:  January, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone
 

Book Description:

Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer.  As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story.  They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest!   

Buy the Book:
BookBaby
Amazon ~ B&N

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.


Meet the Author:

Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – @twilight_reader – book review
Feb 3 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 – Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 4 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 7 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
Feb 9 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Lisa Everyday Life – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 10 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 14 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 CINDI’S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverley Reichman Book Tour Giveaway

 


 
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Ocean World – Pelagia by Steve Holloway #steveholloway @GoddessFish

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The cover for Pelagia by Steve Holloway intrigued me sooooo much, I had to read the book…and it was worth all the hours it took for me to read it.

Pelagia – Between the Stars and the Abyss by Steve Holloway

GENRE: Science Fiction

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The cover for Pelagia by Steve Holloway is soooo awesome, that I HAD TO HAVE a copy and diving into Steve’s world of oceanic wonder was a delight, when we weren’t dodging bullets and being rescued.

He’d been kidnapped and awakes, trapped in the bow of a yacht, being thrown around during a storm. When the warmth of the water closes over him, he feels at home. What a great start to fantastic adventure that crosses the globe.

Pelagics have a saying, ‘we make our lives at the edge of creation, we walk in wonder’.

The Pelagic Territory is a water community in international waters. Because there are no laws governing them, it creates tremendous problems and dangers for the residents.

Ben’s losses overwhelm him and he struggles to find solid ground to stand on. In his darkest moment, Paul Whitestone found him. The friends he accumulates as he puts his life back together are steadfast, loyal, everlasting. His faith will be tested. Though religion is mentioned a lot, it is pertinent to the story. No preaching, just characters questioning….

Though Ben is the star of the show, Paul Whitestone has his back in dangerous situations, knowing when he is in need. Sophia is autistic and one of the standout characters. I love the relationship she develops with Ben and her ‘Rainman’ life.

The Caliphate wants Ben. The need him, to accomplish their evil goals they have set to disrupt the lives of their enemies. It always amazes me how religion can be twisted to suit some people’s needs. How something developed for good can be used for bad. How far some people will go to get what they want.

I found the life of the seasteaders fascinating. I got lost in their beautifully created undersea world. Steve Holloway’s descriptions made Pelagia come to life, and Nemo’s bedtime stories were mesmerizing. His words created images that rolled through my mind like a YouTube video. It makes me wonder how far we have advanced in real life.

“The exploration of science is systemic wonder.”

Pelagia by Steve Holloway is 416 pages filled with wonderful words of wisdom, filled with warnings and wonders of what the future could hold.

I would like to finish this hard to write review with these words of wisdom:

‘All that is necessary for Evil to triumph is for good men – good people, people like you and me – to do nothing.’ Edmund Burke

Where do YOU draw the line? When do YOU make a stand?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Pelagia by Steve Holloway.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

BLURB

Former special forces agent turned particle physicist Ben Holden is on the run.

The New Caliphate will stop at nothing to get their hands on his wife’s scientific research, which is believed to hold the key to unleashing chaos in the West and advancing their cause.

But in reality it’s Ben’s biometrics that have the potential to unlock the information they so desperately need. Within the oceanic world of Pelagia, in the year 2066, Ben finds sanctuary among the sea settlers of the South Pacific Pelagic Territory, but his respite is short-lived.

ABOUT STEVE HOLLOWAY

Steve Holloway grew up on the beach cities of Los Angeles and has always loved the sea. This passion led him to gain a degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of California Santa Barbara; a background which opened many opportunities for him in researching, developing, and engaging with mariculture activities around the world.

Steve and his wife have lived and travelled in many countries over their forty years of marriage, successfully raising three kids in exotic locations in the process. They have always engaged with the people and cultures they live among.

Currently Steve lives in England and consults for a Christian charity in areas of research, leadership development, adapting to new cultures, social enterprises, and mariculture projects. Currently he is consulting for a Indo-Pacific mariculture project – a social enterprise – growing sea cucumbers, a delicacy for the Chinese market.

Steve has always loved books and writing. The story of Pelagia reflects three of his passions: science, the sea and the narratives of faith. The background, in his words:

“I have for many years believed that settling the open sea was within our grasp, and even more accessible than space as our ‘next frontier’. So through the last ten years or so I have been thinking just how this might happen, what would be needed, where people would settle, what kind of livelihoods they might have on the open sea, beyond the EEZs of terrestrial countries. My son Adam told me about what would become a key component of Pelagia, Biorock or seacrete, because of his experiments with it. Many discussions with other scientists, engineers and others helped to begin to fill in the gaps and the concept of the Pelagic Territories, similar to the unincorporated territories of the early US, and what geopolitical contexts they would find themselves in.”

Steve finds any excuse to get into the ocean: sailing, diving, swimming, or just poking around tide pools.

Website / Facebook

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Legion Novellas by Ashley Fontainne #AshleyFontainne

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The Legion Novellas by Ashley Fontainne are quick reads and can be gobbled up in a day. I must warn you though, locked doors won’t keep the evil away. Lights won’t hide the shadows. I love that the covers create a brand for the series and have an eerie feel about them. The entire series is available in paperback for $11.25.

My name is Legion: for we are many.

Mark 5:9

Many (A Legion Novella Book 1)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

He entered thinking one thing, facing a bloody, gory horror he never could have envisioned and by the time he figured out what really happened, he was face to face with evil and it wanted him. His faith will be tested. The book may be short, but it has the creep factor alive and well and I turned the pages faster to put an end to it. And, of course, the ending is so much worse than I thought. May be short. Isn’t sweet. Made my skin crawl. Packed a lot in this novella. For the most part three stars would work, but because Ashley Fontainne had to take me down such a twisting road, jerking me left and right til the end, she has earned that additional star.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Many be Ashley Fontainne.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Madness (Legion Novella Book 2)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

A mother’s anguish and her descent into hell after her husband’s death will be called on to face a demon. A child’s anger over the loss of his family will have him questioning his faith. Will he make the right choice between good and evil? He didn’t remember that night, but evil will do whatever it takes to try and collect another soul. Legion is many and still has Clyde in his sights. Could he survive a second time? FREE WILL. Horror and evil oozes off the pages and Ashley Fontainne leaves me wanting more!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Madness be Ashley Fontainne.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars
Mayhem

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I knew it was coming, but tears formed and my heart broke. The characters have been to hell and back and Ashley Fontainne shows no mercy. Who will be called to face Evil and have their faith put to the test this time? Looking at the cover, I think I know who Legion will be targeting. Mayhem is the third novella in the Legion series, so I am anticipating some heart palpitating horror to come my way. Not all the characters will survive. How strong is their faith? WOW…Just WOW…I knew what would happen, or thought I did, but not how it would happen. I find it amazing how Ashley Fontainne managed to pack so much action in a small package, containing all the emotions a human can feel and ending the series in an uplifting way.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Mayhem be Ashley Fontainne.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

ABOUT ASHLEY FONTAINNE

Ashley Fontainne

Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne enjoys stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters lurking within each of us. She writes in numerous genres including mystery, suspense, horror, sci-fi and sometimes poetry.

Ashley lives in Arkansas with her husband and is the proud mother of one son and grateful daughter of co-author, Lillian Hansen. To learn more about her books please visit https://ashleyfontainne.net/

Website  / Facebook  /  Pinterest

MY ASHLEY FONTAINNE REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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We’re Married? Finding You by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

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Finding You by Amanda Siegrist will be released tomorrow, but you can preorder it for $3.99 and have it automatically delivered to your ereader.

Finding You (McCord Family, #5)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Ahhhh. The McCord men. What can I say. I have only met a couple of them, but hubba hubba. Now, it’s time for the shy guy, Gabe McCord to set the story on fire…and he does it very well. 🙂

Gabe is a lawyer and a shy guy (is there such a thing?), who loves triple berry pie. Speaking of pie, he is dropping one off for his brother at the fire station when he, literally, runs into her. His wife…Now that’s a story you will want to hear.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas doesn’t apply. One drunken night…and what a night it was…and they were married. She had run as fast as she could from the bed she woke up in. He had looked for her, finally giving up after nine months. Now, her she is. Right in front of him. And she doesn’t know that they were married. That doesn’t mean she wants it annulled. It would be convenient if they played it out for a while to get her dad off her back. He’s always butting in where she doesn’t want him, but this time it was a good thing.

Olivia had went from firefighting, which her father hated, to being an arson investigator, which is also hates. Safer, maybe, but she is still doing something she loves. I think he would love to have her married, in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. But, that is never going to happen.

Gabe, in his own words: “Good old Gabe the Shy Goose got so drunk in Vegas he doesn’t remember getting married. So crazy it’s hilarious.” Gabe is the baby of the family and is the brunt of their jokes. Little do they know how much it hurts him.

Olivia dates alpha males, but Gabe is no alpha, unless…

The characters steal the show in Finding You by Amanda Siegrist. Sure, we have some mystery and some danger, but I smiled, chuckled, and laughed my way through it.

With lines like: “…You up for an adventure? This could be fun.” And it is.

Amanda Siegrist writes sweet romance with a dash of danger.The characters are a definite two thumbs up and I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the family.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Finding You by Amanda Siegrist.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. One wild mishap could be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Being shy makes it hard for Gabe McCord to talk to women, but throw in a fun, wild night of drinking and it’s not so hard. Until he learns he didn’t just wake up next to a gorgeous woman—he married her. Nine months later and he’s still trying to find her…when she accidentally finds him.

Olivia Brenson is the new arson investigator in town trying to find the person responsible for multiple fires, the latest one which almost took a life. When she learns they’re married—because neither remembered their nuptials—Gabe finds himself on another fun adventure. She wants to stay married for a short time to keep her overprotective, demanding father off her back. He doesn’t protest as it gives him a chance to prove he isn’t always the shy guy. But if he’s not careful, he might lose more than just his reserved tendencies. He’ll lose his heart along the way. Because he’s finding Olivia is the woman he never knew he needed in his life.

The entire McCord Family Novel series: Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.
Protecting You (Book 1): Zane & Ava
Trust in Love (Book 2): Austin & Sophie
Deserving You (Book 3): Emmett & Deja
Always Kind of Love (Book 4): Ethan & Penelope
Finding You (Book 5): Gabe & Olivia

ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST

Amanda Siegrist

Love! Gimme some love and heaps of romance. I have a sappy heart that just loves two people meeting, going through the cycles of a relationship, and ultimately, falling in love. Give me a good book like that and I’m a happy camper:)

I write contemporary and romantic suspense, but I am partial to suspense. I just love a good mystery.

Besides writing, I love baking, crafts, and baseball…oh, and meeting new people. *smiles*

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY AMANDA SIEGRIST REVIEWS

  • 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!

Countdown To Death – 14 Days To Die by A B Whelan @AuthorABWhelan

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The title for 14 Days To Die by A B Whelan made me very curious about the book. I have read some of her work and the latest, No One Can Hear You Scream blew me away, so when she offered me a couple of books that I hadn’t read, I jumped all over it.

14 Days to Die

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Sarah Johnson was like the three monkeys – hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil.

How long can someone live like that? How long before they say, enough is enough. How far will someone go for their own desires? Does anyone know what really goes on in someone’s mind…even when standing face to face, eye to eye?

Uh oh, he’s a Gemini, a two faced manipulator. I’m a Gemini too, but I feel a kinship with her, not him. She blogs, like us. She doesn’t make a lot of money. It is a labor of love.

Do we all have the capacity to kill buried in our snake brain?

I flip from humor to outrage, from smiles and laughs to spitting fire. My blood was boiling throughout the entire book. It didn’t matter if I had any idea where we were going or how it would end. I’ll find out when I get there.

I can relate to her frustration and see how she got ‘there’. Sooner or later, we make a decision, or it is made for us. I laugh with her, instead of pitying her.

Tension, tension, tension…

I challenge you to figure this you.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of 14 Days To Die by A B Whelan.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

To what extent would you go to avenge your husband’s infidelity?

Stay-at-home mom Sarah Johnson has the perfect family—a handsome, hardworking husband and two healthy and beautiful children. At least, that’s what she’s been telling herself for years. After the tragedies in her youth, Sarah deemed living a lie easier than dwelling on the past and facing her everyday failures. To avoid any kind of confrontation at home she doesn’t read her husband’s emails or spy on him like most jealous wives do. She wouldn’t jeopardize her comfortable but dull life for anything.

But Sarah’s world is about to crumble around her when she receives a phone call from a man with a heavy foreign accent telling her that her perfect husband has put a price on her head. She is offered two weeks to come up with a counteroffer or die. Why would her model husband Mike want her dead? Hasn’t she been the perfect wife? Or has her karma finally caught up with her—making her pay for her former transgressions? The final countdown begins and now Sarah has to race against time to find out what went wrong in her marriage and find a way out of this nightmare.

So the game of life or death begins. Secrets are unveiled. Emotions are unleashed. Actions are taken.

Will there be a winner in this dangerous game when no one can escape the twist of fate?

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.

A.B. Whelan

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.

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MY A B WHELAN REVIEW

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New Release – Little Dolls by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

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Jane, Jane, Jane…you write so fast I can hardly keep up. I love the cover for Little Dolls. When I saw it, I had to put aside the other book of yours I was going to read, Saving Charlie and delve into this one. How about you, readers? Do covers call out to you?

Little Dolls (Candella Sisters' Heroes #1)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Usually it is the cover of a book that first catches me eye. Even though I love the cover for Little Dolls by Jane Blythe, it was the title that caught my attention first. Having read a lot of books by Jane, and knowing her penchant for thrills, I am bracing myself.

She pushed the pedal to the metal as the flashing lights glared behind her. Jane Blythe knows how to set the hook early, and I love that! And that is how Detective Jonathon Dawson meets Clara Candella. The immediate attraction leads Johnathon down a path that he could never have anticipated. With Jane Blythe’s writing, nothing is at it seems, so beware.

We have triplets, of a sort…Naomi, Clara and Agape. Even though they all have the same father and they have different mothers, they can still pass for triplets.

Little Dolls is a perfect title…each child taken was found with a doll…and another young child. What is the meaning? Why pairs? Why blond, with blue eyes (mostly). Why has it been so long between the kills of the past and now?

Clara had been six years old when she had been taken by the Doll Killers. Her and the boy she was trapped with had managed to escape. Her mind had blocked her memories, but now she feels she has to restore them to save who she can and put the people away once and for all.

The circumstances push Clara and John together. All the events happen over a short period of time, so I can overlook the instant attraction. After all, romantic suspense has to have romance to go with the thrills and chills that Jane Blythe creates, and the horrible situations she puts her characters in, fighting for their lives…or someone else’s.

Little Dolls by Jane Blythe kept me wondering…what the heck is going on…and who is doing it. Sure, I think he is involved…sure, I think ? is involved, but how does it all fit together? Jane never fails to give me hours of thrilling reading pleasure.

Little Dolls is Jane Blythe’s newest series, and Clara’s story. I can see where the series is going, each sister will get her chance to tell their story. I love that Jane ties up each story for her books, sometimes giving a little tease to make you want to read the next one. The characters make recurring appearances, so we don’t lose track of what they are up to now, getting to know them better through others stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Little Dolls by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

He’s trying to prove her friend is guilty of murder.

When Clara Candella is carjacked it brings the past she thought was firmly behind her crashing into her present. Now the sexy detective who saved her life is trying to prove that her childhood friend is guilty of the same horrendous crimes they both survived. Can she set the fact that they’re on opposite sides of this investigation aside and allow the attraction simmering between them to grow into something more?

A car chase leads Detective Jonathon Dawson to a woman he instantly feels a connection to, unfortunately, she’s hellbent on proving that her friend is innocent, even though he knows differently. Despite her being involved in his case he asks her out, only to be turned down flat. He knows there’s something between him but winning Clara’s affections while simultaneously searching for proof of her friend’s guilt isn’t going to be easy.

ABOUT JANE BLYTHE

Jane has loved reading and writing since she can remember. She writes dark and disturbing crime/mystery/suspense with some romance thrown in because, well, who doesn’t love romance? She has one completed series, Detective Parker Bell, and one new series, Count to Ten.

When she’s not writing Jane loves to read, bake, go to the beach, ski, horse ride, and watch Disney movies. She has a black belt in Taekwondo, and a 200+ collection of teddy bears. She has the world’s two most sweet and pretty Dalmatians, Ivory and Pearl. Oh, and she also enjoys spending time with family and friends!

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY REVIEWS FOR JANE BLYTHE’S BOOKS

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New Release – Her First Mistake by Eve Parrish #EveParrish

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Eve Parrish is a new to me author, and Her First Mistake is her debut novel…as Eve Parrish. It bothers me when an author writes under different names. In old time publishing, I get it. It was probably the publishers that pushed an author to have different pennames for different genres. Myself, I don’t think it is necessary. If I love what an author is writing, I’ll read anything by them. Yeah, I might not rate it as high from one genre to the next, e.g. romantic suspense and plain romance. It would take something special about a plain romance to get a 4 or 5 rating from me. That being said, I enjoy 3 star reads all the time and do recommend them.

Well, I got off on a bit of a rant there, so let’s get back to the real reason we are here…Her First Mistake.

Her First Mistake: A Heart-Pounding Crime Thriller: A Detective Nina Viken Novel

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The eerie cover first caught my eye and as I investigated further, I saw – serial killer. I’m all over that. I have a fascination for serial killers, whether fact or fiction. I love teases and the Prologue did it’s job. I’m hooked.

“I’m a bad boy.” With a start like that, I think I may have issues stopping long enough to…well, whatever.

It is not bad enough they have a kidnapper, a rapist, a murderer on their hands, the Saxon County Sleeper is all three wrapped up in one and he is back with a vengeance.

Nina Viken is a detective for Saxon County, a single mother, and familiar with serial killers. She has blow after blow delivered to her, and gets up stronger each time. Her father is a convicted murdered and he says he knows who the serial killer is. The killers past is textbook, foster homes, abuse…

The book has a twist as Rayna enters the scene. Her spidey senses are sent tingling when her friend goes missing…and she wants answers, even if she has to find them herself. I love her and would hope to have a friend like her if I ever went missing.

I love reading a book with flawed, damaged characters and seeing we have a serial killer on the loose, it’s no surprise that we have one of them here. Most characters have baggage they carry, but they are caring, loyal, loving people, doing the best they can.

I love the turn the book takes at 50%. And Livie…she is so darn cute, but, aren’t most little kids?

There is a time or two where I didn’t like what NIna did or didn’t do, but I get it. That’s how we create suspense for a rousing ending. And then…another twist. Hmmmm, you are making me work for this Eve. We have plenty of suspects. My mind is bouncing around, using a process of elimination to find the last one standing. AHA…it’s you!

I felt Her First Mistake by Eve Parrish was a three star book through half of it, but the more I read, the the more the suspect list grew, the more twists that came up, the more I got involved, I knew I needed to bump it up. Good job Eve.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Her First Mistake by Eve Parrish.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Her First Mistake is a serial killer thriller with a female lead and mysterious love interests.

Detective Nina Viken is no stranger to the ominous clues serial killers leave with their discarded victims.
It’s a typical method used to taunt and torture the authorities who are ruthlessly hunting them down.
This time though, everything seems a little too close to home.

When Nina gets a call that a dead body is being pulled from the Hollow Pointe Ravine, intuition tells her she’s going to have her work cut out for her. Upon arriving at the crime scene, she sees various photographs scattered along the ground. The photos feature completely nude women–bound, shackled, bloody and bruised.
At first it looks like it’s just another sick and twisted murderer on the loose…

But upon examining the body, Nina sees the signature of one of the East Coast’s most notorious serial killers–The Saxon County Slayer.

As if the pressure of finding him before he kills again wasn’t enough, Nina gets a call from her father–a convicted murder himself–saying he knows the identity of the infamous serial killer.
With little evidence to point her in any other direction, Nina begins to look into her father’s claims.

Regardless of whether her father is telling the truth or not…
The Saxon County Slayer is back.

And this time, he has a vendetta against Nina.
A vendetta that he will stop at nothing to satisfy.

ABOUT EVE PARRISH (Victoria Ellis)

Meet Victoria Ellis: Victoria Ellis writing as Eve Parrish

Victoria Ellis

Victoria Ellis started out writing primarily thrillers but slowly transitioned into both poetry and contemporary romance.

Now, she is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.

Victoria has a penname, Gemma Stone, for her upcoming romance novels that she plans on releasing. It was important to her to separate romance from thrillers. Be on the lookout for more Gemma Stone news in 2021 and 2022!

Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.

She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.

Connect with Victoria Ellis:

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Awesome Cover for Save Her by Chris Patchell @chris_patchell

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The amazing cover for Save Her by Chris Patchell has all the elements to foreshadow the story inside…and it was chilling.

Save Her (Lacey James #2)

Amazon / Kobo / Nook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Save Her by Chris Patchell could have started out: It was a cold, wintry day and she found herself alone, stranded in a snowstorm…

Pacing, pacing, pacing…Chris Patchell is a master at keeping a high level of suspense going throughout the book. I know from her past books she will not fail to get my emotions roiling.

We’re back in Sweet Home, Oregon, with Lacey, who is struggling to adjust having Caleb home from Fort Hood on a permanent basis, though the kids are loving it. It sounds to me like she now has three kids to take care of and I’m uncertain if she hasn’t outgrown Caleb.

Being a cop in her home town isn’t easy for her either…A small town where she knows everyone. She’s quick with her words, witty and sharp, and I find myself laughing out loud, at times.

There is more than one person in the small town of Sweet Home, Oregon, that needs to grow up.

OMG…the rat bastard! I want to reach into my Kindle and beat him to a pulp! I am shocked, outraged and very pissed off!

Save Her may be a bit on the predictable side, but Chris Patchell has a way of creating tension, suspense, and a sense of urgency that has me racing through the pages to find out if or who will SAVE HER! I know Lacey is going to run into danger, but that’s okay. The pacing keeps me going. Gotta know…What’s…Next.

Lacey is too juicy a character for her story to end her. Next up: Tell Her, Book III in this stand alone series, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on it.

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

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Abandoned on a remote mountain road, the storm closing in isn’t the only deadly threat she will face.

A New Year’s Eve party is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends and make resolutions none of you will keep. Still, Audrey Drummond sees it as a good way to pass the time now that she’s back in Sweet Home, Oregon. She hitches a ride with her high school ex, but their ride down memory lane takes a perilous turn, and Audrey finds herself abandoned, cold and alone on a mountain road—miles away from the party.

From that moment on, her situation only gets worse.

When Audrey vanishes in a winter storm, Officer Lacey James knows that left to the elements, she won’t survive long. But when the initial search yields no viable clues, the missing persons case takes a darker turn.

Time is running out, and the killer storm isn’t the only immediate threat Lacey will face in the desperate quest to save her.

ABOUT CHRIS PATCHELL

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.

Website  /  Twitter  / Facebook

 MY CHRIS PATCHELL REVIEWS

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