Giveaway – Age of Order by Julian North #JulianNorth

Posted on February 10, 2017 by fundinmental

Welcome to my stop for Age of Order by Julian North.

It’s nice to have you here, Julian. I am a big fan of covers and they have a big influence over me. I am always curious to find out what authors think about them and how much they have to say about the final product.

GUEST POST

Covers by Julian North

Until I wrote my first novel, Age of Order, I never gave much thought to book covers. Of course I noticed them. I’m an avid reader, so I look at hundreds of the things a year. As a kid, before there was such a thing as the internet, I used to stare at the covers of my favorite books, imagining the scene playing out before me. But I never thought about covers the way I do now.

When I made the decision to “go indie” with Age of Order, I learned about the business of covers. There are “experts” out there (some very successful, some less so) who will sell you training videos about what a cover needs to do and don’t do: tell a reader what the book is about, catch their eyes, look the right way on an Amazon thumbnail, don’t create a scene from the book, conjure emotion. I got dizzy from it all. For Age of Order, I just wanted something that I would want to pick up.

For all that declared simplicity, I confess that I used two different artists on my Age of Order cover. The first produced several mock-ups, from which I picked the best and refined it. That first cover was fine work. But I never loved it. It was eye catching, but too generic. It didn’t capture the essence of what I wanted. After a couple of weeks of it itching me, I broke down and got another cover made from a different artist (luckily writing is a hobby, and I’m not trying to earn a profit, because covers aren’t cheap). He presented two choices, one was the current cover. No further revisions necessary, I took it as it.

I love it because it conveys the two worlds of Age of Order, a place of “haves” and “have nots.” I love the feel of the contrasting cities. I love the presentation of title. I’m told by the experts the bright colors are good for Amazon thumbnails. But most of all I hope that one day my son will stare at it, imagining a different world playing out before his eyes.

Thanks Julian…and now for more about the book.

Amazon / Goodreads

Age of Order by Julian North

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GENRE: Dystopian Young Adult/New Adult

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BLURB

What if the people who thought they were better than you… really were?

In this world, inequality is a science. Giant machines maintain order. And all people are not created equal.

Daniela Machado is offered a chance to escape the deprivation of Bronx City through a coveted slot at the elite Tuck School. There, among the highborn of Manhattan, she discovers an unimaginable world of splendor and greed. But her opportunity is part of a darker plan, and Daniela soon learns that those at society’s apex will stop at nothing to keep power for themselves. She may have a chance to change the world, if it doesn’t change her first.

Age of Order is a novel that explores the meaning of merit and inequality. Fans of the Hunger Games, Red Rising, and Divergent will enjoy this world of deception and intrigue, where the downtrodden must fight for a better future.

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EXCERPT

I dashed towards the dilapidated collection of storefronts hugging the fringes of the worn avenue, the rusted metal gates firmly closed, lean-to homes piled on their concrete roofs. Makeshift cardboard dwellings crowded the sidewalk. I ran for one of the lightless alleys between the buildings. Lurkers lived in those narrow corridors as surely as rats lived in the sewer, but I’d rather face them than the machines. I leaped towards the darkness.

A finder beam latched onto me as I sailed through the air, the comparative safety of the alley as tantalizingly close as candy in a shop window. I imagined the tight little dot on my leg, hot and hungry. I could almost touch the alley wall. But not quite. The hulking metal slave fired.

A correction pellet sliced through the fabricated leather of my sneaker and bit into my flesh. The force of the impact was enough to screw up my balance too. I landed on one foot instead of two, falling forward. Chewed-up concrete surged towards me. I sacrificed my right palm and left elbow to protect my head, and the viser strapped to my left forearm.

I scrambled to my feet and ran down the alley, my jaws clenched, but the pain wasn’t what was bothering me. I told myself that my shoe had blocked a lot of the pellet. That I probably hadn’t gotten hit with a full dose. That what was coming wouldn’t be that bad.

Liar.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

I’ve been writing since I could grab a pencil (remember those?). Then I had kids. Not much time for writing anymore. Until they started school… in New York City. I’m not from here, and the tumult of that experience inspired me. AGE OF ORDER grew from a diary of injustice. Now I write what I’m feeling, and let the rest flow from there. I hope you enjoy it.

Please visit my website at www.juliannorth.com and join my book club to receive a free short story set in the same world as AGE OF ORDER.

http:// www.juliannorth.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/539032.Julian_North

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GIVEAWAY

Julian North will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Follow the tour HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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’.
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All Too Real – Giveaway – Redemption by Jaye Frances @jayefrancesnews

Posted on February 9, 2017 by fundinmental

Redemption is the finale of the World Without Love trilogy by Jaye Frances

The sensitive and adult nature of Jewel’s story may not be for everyone, but I must say, I am glad that I walk on the wild side and stretch my horizons, so I don’t miss fabulous books like Redemption!

I was reading along and I saw…Sherry. The character is the house shrink for Jewel’s new boss. Cool…I’m in a book. And I must say, I am very good at my job. LOL

Amazon / B&N / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Because Redemption is Book III in the World Without Love series, even the blurb may contain more information than you want to know.

Redemption is the finale for the World Without Love trilogy and I must say Jaye Frances did not let me down. I have come to expect excellent writing and a storyline that makes the book unputdownable and she has done that from beginning to end.

Jewel’s story began in Book I, Betrayed, when she was forcibly kidnapped…beaten, raped, tortured and sold. Human trafficking is an ugly business and she lives the horror that human slavery entails.

This has been a terrifyingly realistic novel of one woman’s journey through a nightmare you cannot imagine if you don’t walk in her shoes. It has been an all too real glimpse into man’s inhumanity and debasement of other human beings.

I cringed, shivered, screamed and raged. I am disgusted, ready to pick up a gun and take care of them myself…but that would be too good for them.

She made a friend or two along the way, sometimes the most unlikely person was the one to come to her aid. She is a woman driven to survive and save the woman left behind.

I love the direction Jaye took for the next stage of Jewel’s life. It caught me by surprise and that doesn’t happen often enough.

I love trying to figure out a character’s motivation for their actions. Whenever Jewel felt doubt or needed a nudge to do what’s necessary, she would think of Annie and the torture and fear that are her life. Her desire to save Annie, drove her.

Jaye Frances’ excellent writing and the depth of Jewel’s character shows a strength and determination that makes me think, somehow, she will be okay. I have been eagerly anticipating how Jaye Frances will wrap up this series.

The ending…amazing! Fabulous! Not what I thought it would be, but then none of this story was and the twists and turns, the good and bad, kept me mesmerized and believing…this could be a true story.

All the chips are on the table…

“…Life can be like a poker game and you just never know who’s holding the winning hand.”

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Redemption by Jaye Frances.

5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

In this final chapter of “World Without Love,” Jewel is rescued from Bangkok’s evil flesh markets by a covert government agency. Haunted by her last memories of Annie, Jewel vows to do whatever it takes to find her friend—hopefully in time to save her from Gregory’s sadistic and murderous intentions. In her new position as an embassy hostess, Jewel forms alliances with political attaches and power brokers, hoping one of them can help her find Annie—still alive.

Recognizing Jewel’s special assets, her supervisors offer her more responsibility, releasing her from the constant scrutiny of the all-seeing agency network. Jewel quickly realizes she’s been granted another advantage, one her superiors could not have anticipated: the chance to extract revenge on all those who attempted to destroy her life.

But again, the hand fate touches Jewel’s heart, forcing her to choose between the new man in her life and the one who helped her escape a dismal world of enslavement and cruel domination.

Excerpt from Redemption:

A Note From the Author . . .

Redemption is the third and final book in the World Without Love series. The series is a continuing story and meant to be read in sequence, beginning with Book One, Betrayed, followed by Reunion, and concluding with Redemption. All books in the series are available in eBook and paperback.

The World Without Love series contains mature content and is intended for an 18+ audience

* * * * * *

My second day started early. Katherine met me in the cafeteria for a quick breakfast, then shuffled me off to a small corner office in one of the buildings adjacent to the Fortress.

“Do you want me to take notes?”

“No, I want you to listen and learn. Here we use our memory instead of paper.”

I felt my stress level rising. I’d anticipated a few challenges, and now, meeting Katherine’s expectations would be one of them.

Today’s lesson was brief—two hours—and consisted of an overview of the department’s mission and how it operated as a “shadow” organization within the embassy’s allegedly transparent political environment.

“Any questions?” she’d asked.

“How does all of this take place without someone finding out? I mean, aren’t there politicians or public watchdogs for this kind of thing?”

“Always.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

She squinted at me. “Does it bother you?”

I decided to tell her the truth. “I could give a shit.”

The left corner of her mouth lifted in frustration. “We’ll have to work on that.”

The rest of the day was all about the paperwork.

Looking over the shoulder of a data specialist, I verified page after page of personal online information, then watched as he methodically made revisions to reflect my new identity—one far more vague and obscure.

“We’ll add a few shadows and eliminate some of the details. It’s all for your safety.” The guy tapping away at the keyboard—he’d introduced himself as Ronnie—was surprisingly friendly and efficient. He was also young and geeky, probably hired right out of college with a killer degree in computer science. “I’ll also do a little image manipulation on the photos,” he added. “The more doubt we can cast on your past identity, the less likely you’ll be surprised by someone who takes an interest and tries to research your history.”

“What do you mean by takes an interest?”

“Could be anything. Infatuation, curiosity, even someone who recognizes you from high school.”

I couldn’t imagine the odds of bumping into someone from San Diego, here in Thailand. He answered my question before I could ask it.

“It’s rare, but it happens. I see your husband was in the Navy. Even though his discharge occurred prior to your marriage, he still keeps in touch with several of his friends from the service. Some of them you’ve met. The ones you haven’t may have seen pictures of you. And if you ran into them, they might recognize you.”

“From a picture?”

“It’s the impression they formed from the picture. Because you’re attractive, they would want to recognize you. If you passed them on the street, it might trigger something in their memory.” He paused. “And then there’s always simple fate. It’s hard to predict what the future has waiting for us.”

I was a living testament to that.

“But not to worry,” he continued. “By the time we’re finished, you’ll have a new background and a plausible reason to explain your presence here. In fact, after a few weeks, you’ll begin to believe it yourself.”

He was erasing my past. My life before arriving at the embassy was quickly disappearing. The person I used to be no longer mattered. If there was such a thing as a new beginning, this was it.

ABOUT JAYE FRANCES

Jaye Frances is the author of “World Without Love,” a suspense thriller series with an erotic edge, including “Betrayed,” “Reunion,” and “Redemption.” Her other books include “The Beach,” a sci-fi supernatural tale about the possibilities—and horror—of wishful thinking, “The Kure,” a paranormal-occult romance novel, “The Possibilities of Amy,” a coming-of-age story of first love, and “Love Travels Forever,” a collection of poignant short stories. When not absorbed with her writing, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and taking pictures-lots of them. Jaye lives on the gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, and several hundred pairs of shoes.

Website / Author Facebook Page / Series Facebook Page / Twitter

GIVEAWAY

Jaye Frances is offering one (1) kindle eBook of Betrayed (or another in the series if you already have Book I), gifted from Amazon or B&N. Entry is easy peasy, just answer the question:

What do you do when it comes time to say goodbye to a series and the characters you have grown to love?

Ends 2.22.17

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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MY JAYE FRANCES REVIEWS

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Giveaway – 51 Love by Jeremy T Ringfield @JTRingfield @GoddessFish

Posted on February 6, 2017 by fundinmental

I am happy be sharing 51 Love by Jeremy T Ringfield and have an interview for you to be able to learn more. Feel free to comment on your favorite question or answer. I am curious to see what you have to say. 🙂

INTERVIEW

What is the sweetest thing someone has done for you?

One day, when I was on the streets, feeling beat, a woman approached me while I sat on the sidewalk. She just walked up to me, reached out, caressed my cheek with her hand, and told me that, “It gets better.”

How would you spend ten thousand bucks?

I would hope I could find a way to directly invest in those less fortunate than me.

Where do you get your best ideas?

I get my best ideas when I’m not trying to think of them. I like to dream, and can find inspiration from the smallest of things.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

The plot. Because I’m always plotting something.

What does your main character do that makes him/her special.

Abram and Jec deliver their love notes to each other in person. I think that’s pretty special in a society that’s so use to the instantaneous communication of emails and social media profiles.

Amazon / Goodreads

51 Love by Jeremy T. Ringfield

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GENRE: New Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense

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BLURB

This story is about Abram, a hopeless romantic who enrolls into college and begins leaving love notes for the girl, Jec, who works at the front desk of his student apartments. About why they know each other when neither have even met. That’s right, she had seen his face only two weeks earlier, when he tossed his book bag in the middle of the street, holding up traffic like a mad homeless man. But what she doesn’t know is that just before he came to grab his keys to move in, the handsome albeit strange eyes and the person they belong to had just been released from the county jail.

The jail cell talk without any cameras around to record make his last 51 minutes in the pen with a sketchy bunkmate a do or die conversation that may explain why he became homeless, why he wrote the love letters in the first place, and if both were random at all.

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EXCERPT

Chapter 9

The same day in August, 2015

I think, for the price of a pizza, the experience of the novel is priceless.

A literary ecstasy, this was not a book I wanted to lend. I had to have it.

My co-worker interjects my thoughts, “Is that lighter fluid? What is he burning out there in our fire pit? I’m telling you Jec, that dude killed somebody. You haven’t seen him around as long as I have. The way he’s always scrunching his face, looking like a stone cold killer with all that stinking thinking. Some people struggle with who they really are. And when it goes foul, you know they don’t always catch these people.”

He picks up and holds out the book I am reading titled Wait For You, and says, “Some novels you have to read twice to really see all the beauty in the nuances, but these plots don’t always end beautifully Jec. You should start reading more of them.”

I take a bite out of an apple and stop scratching my thumb across a squiggled smear on my permanent marker to look out the window as I reply to my front desk co-receptionist, “Bobby, you’re being ridiculous. It just looked like he pulled some papers from a box and threw them into the pit. Hey, where’d he go?”

Bobby answers quickly, “No really, have you seen him using his hands on the street? He’s probably practicing some lethal judo that nobody knows right now. Hi-yah!—”

Ding-Ding.

At the sound of the front door bell I tried to smother my giggle in professionalism, but I no longer found it necessary to suppress as the blurry silhouette of the person entering the front door became clear and my laughter came to a sudden halt.

ABOUT JEREMY T RINGFIELD

Jeremy lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He grew up in the south Atlanta area, where he eventually earned a football scholarship to Duke University. After experiencing enough life to form his own opinions, he enjoys sharing some with friends, reading, watching fantasy thriller and romance films, listening to music, and jogging when he is not writing. He writes new adult fiction.

Jeremy would love to hear from you. Follow him on Twitter @JTRingfield, friend him on Facebook, or visit his webpage at www.jeremytringfield.com

Additional Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour HERE.

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’.
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Giveaway – Friends ForNever by Melissa Baldwin @mpbaldwinauthor

Posted on January 13, 2017 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

Friends ForNever by Melissa Baldwin

Erin Taylor is a hard-working journalist with a serious TV addiction and lack of a social life. She’s focused on her career and determined to leave her tiny cubicle behind for a fabulous corner office! But when a new co-worker, a friendship drama, and a hot workplace crush collide, Erin finds it harder and harder to focus. Especially when that crush on the oh-so-yummy Aiden Thomas starts to materialize into what feels like a magical relationship. Erin’s life seems to finally be heading in the right direction…until suddenly friends aren’t such great friends after all, her magical relationship hits a bumpy road, and her career could be derailed by it all. Erin learns a lesson the hard way: Sometimes people aren’t who they seem to be. With her happiness on the line, can Erin rise above her disappointments and create the life she’s always dreamed of or will she be stuck being Friends ForNever?

Praise for the Book

Friends ForNever is a cleverly written book that will keep you wanting for more until the very end! I highly recommend this book!

Friends for Never is like listening to your best friend tell you about her day at work! And anyone who has worked in an office will totally relate to this book. I was absolutely sucked in. The love story was great!

It was well paced and funny!
The author is really good.

An intriguing look at the demands of family and friendship when personal goals are at risk.
A novel of back stabbing emotions.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Author Melissa Baldwin

Melissa graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications; she has always had a love for writing. An avid journal keeper, she took her creativity to the next level by fulfilling her dream with her debut novel, An Event to Remember . . . Or Forget. Since then, she has written and published four more novels, Wedding Haters, See You Soon Broadway, Not Quite Sheer Happiness and Friends ForNever.

Melissa resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing, this multi-tasking master organizer is busy being a mother, wife, chauffeur, PTA President, and Fitness Trainer.

When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, running, fitness, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/26/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Will her emotions be the Death of her? Empath by Becca Campbell @BeccaJCampbell

Posted on November 22, 2016 by fundinmental

I saw Becca Campbell’s influences and I found a kindred spirit, so when I was given the opportunity to read Empath, Book One, and the entire Flawed Series, I jumped all over it.

This will definitely be a series I finish!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Empath by Becca Campbell hooked me from the opening pages. I was quickly drawn into Jade’s world and the characters became my friends too…most of them.

Jade walked into the classroom and it confirmed her reason for online classes. The feelings bombarded her…anger, attraction, excitement. She struggled to maintain a calm appearance. Were they her feelings, or someone else’s?

‘She believed in God…Why had he given her this FLAW?’

Everything changed for her when she met Logan. He calmed her.

Logan, is a professor at the college she was attending and he is a loner, for reasons of his own. He knew he should stay away from her, but we know how that goes. Becca Campbell’s writing drew me to him immediately. There is something special about him and I was as drawn to him as Jade was. She wondered…is he special too, is this the beginning of something wonderful for her, could she have a relationship?

Ethan…Becca draws a vivid picture of him in my mind. I do love a good villain and Ethan fits that picture perfectly. He is a psychopath, feels no fear and has powers of his own. He collects snakes and they are his tools of torture. Serial killers collect trophies and his are especially heinous. His thoughts and fantasies are EVIL, and they are about Jade. He MUST have her.

Cam, poor Cam. He has a huge crush on Jade and I wonder what will become of him. Since a snowboarding accident, he has blackouts that cause a sense of deja vu. I love that Becca describes his senses in depth…every sight, sound and smell, no matter how small.

Jade has more friends with unique powers of their own and they all hold a special place in her world. Why were they chosen? Maybe they weren’t FLAWS. Maybe they were gifts.

When Jade meets ‘Bigfoot’ I was not surprised. I expected it and had hoped it would happen. I think I know his name. Will I be right? We will have to wait and see.

I like how the romance is slow developing, subtle. Do you remember your first love…the butterflies in your stomach, the heat of a blush rising to the surface of your face, the excitement of even a glimpse of him/her, the teasing and playfulness of a conversation? It reads like real life and that makes the story even more believable. The triangle is not really a triangle, but Cam feels like it is.

I guess you can tell I fell in love with the characters. They may be young, but the danger surrounds them as they go about the normal business of life. I usually write more about the action in a novel and the characters just happen to be in the way. Not so with Empath. I am now heavily involved in their lives and will see it through to the end.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Empath by Becca Cambell.

5 STARS

GOODREADS BLURB

Supernatural empathy isn’t a gift, it’s a curse.

Anywhere she goes, Jade’s emotions are replaced by those of the people around her. Jade grew up in a suburb of Colorado Springs, protected from other people by her parents. Now she faces college-and the world-with nothing to shield her from unwanted feelings.

When Cam, a classmate with a major crush on her, unintentionally hijacks her emotions, Jade struggles to keep from being carried away in feelings of attraction. When Ethan, a psychopath with a thirst for fear, fixates on her, the emotional impact could be lethal.

Caught in a deadly trap, Jade must untangle the emotions and find a way to use her empathic curse to overcome this killer or be overcome by him.

ABOUT BECCA CAMPBELL

Becca J. Campbell writes New Adult (twenty-somethings) fiction that varies from Urban Fantasy to Thriller to Science Fiction. Her stories typically blend a taste of the fantastical with real-world settings and add a dash of romance for good measure.

She’s always looking for a great speculative fiction read, and she holds a special place in her heart for any story that involves superpowers or time travel. Her passion is defying the limits of her own creativity.

Becca is also the co-creator of JuNoWriMo.com, where you can join a vibrant community and write a novel during June.

To join Becca’s writing journey and be notified when her next book is released, sign up for her author newsletter.

I have read this series out of order, but I am loving it regardless.

My Reviews for Becca Campbell

Constricted

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You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Giveaway – Darkwalker by Kat de Falla @katdefalla @YABoundToursPR

Posted on November 2, 2016 by fundinmental

Darkwalker (The Seven Archangels #2)

by Kat de Falla

Genre: NA/Adult Dark Fantasy

Release Date: October 21st 2016

The Wild Rose Press

Summary:

For years, Seamus Bran has been a hermit in a small English town. But when two seers arrive from America seeking the cup of salvation his family has hidden for over two centuries, Seamus must decide whether to protect his blood line or save a woman he’s never met.

Adrienne Perdu is a wealthy orphan living in Paris. She has no idea the weekly meetings she attends are a group of Darkwalkers, pulling humanity in the selfless dredges of soullessness. But Seamus changes everything with a kiss. The illusion of her life is shattered when her eyes are opened to the world as it really is, with angels and demons walking among us.

At Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky inlet in Normandy, France the demons attack trying to gain possession of the Cup of Salvation. As Adrienne and Seamus grow closer, the danger of the ancient war between good and evil crescendos to envelop angels, demons, and seers alike. Will Seamus be able to save the woman he now loves and his family’s prize possession?

Pre-Order Darkwalker on Amazon!

Book One (click on image for Goodreads link) to buy The Seer’s Lover for $4.61, click HERE

Also on sale for $0.99 for a limited time, First Contact! Amazon
Link

Excerpt:

“Split up!” Lucas called, charging left with three monks on his heels. They went head to head with the ground minions. Seamus and Dean went right, staying close to the two monks.

Lucas was surrounded. Three winged beasts swooped in trying to snatch them up, but Lucas and the monks managed to foil their attempts. The monks were ramming their heels, knees, elbows, and fists into any attacker in their way. Lucas drew his Wakizashi swords and began slashing demons, spilling their intestines, and severing heads from bodies. The scene was reminiscent of a Middle Age killing field. He knew he needed to gash open a pathway like a maggot eating its way through flesh to find the demon leader.

Wiping the crimson life-forced infused fluid off his face, Lucas cast a quick glance at Seamus and Dean to see if they were taking advantage of the blood soaked opening he was creating.

A winged demon snapped the neck of one monk and tore the jugular out of another with his teeth. They were dying out here in the open, like a rabbit in an open field caught in the eyes of a raptor. Casualties amid clouds of black dust continued to litter the field.

“Move under the pillars,” Seamus yelled.

Lucas pulled back so they would be protected by the roof and support columns surrounding the grassy courtyard.

They regrouped. “Let’s harpoon that mother fucker and pull him down to us,” Lucas pointed to the blackhorned demon he’d identified as the leader. “If we can take him down, we might stand a chance.”

The hoard moved in like the fog off a stormy sea.

About the Author

Kat was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she learned to roller skate, ride a banana seat bike, and love Shakespeare. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is happily employed as a retail pharmacist. She is married to her soul mate, composer Lee de Falla and raising four kids together ala the Brady Bunch. The Seer’s Lover was Kat’s first book and she is working feverishly on four different series at the moment!

Author Links:

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Take a Walk on the Dark Side – Darkwalker by Kat de Falla @katdefalla @YABoundToursPR

Posted on September 28, 2016 by fundinmental

The blood dripping on the cover of Darkwalker by Kat de Falla stopped me in my tracks.

I gotta know what this dark fantasy is about!

The funny thing is, that looks like a dress I have in my closet. I call myself the lady in red when I where it. I love that song, so I had to share the official video by .

Darkwalker (The Seven Archangels #2)

by Kat de Falla

Genre: NA/Adult Dark Fantasy

Release Date: October 21st 2016

The Wild Rose Press

Summary:

Pre-Order Darkwalker on Amazon!

Book One (click on image for Goodreads link) to buy The Seer’s Lover for $4.61, click HERE

About the Author

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Giveaway & Reviews for Waterfall & Waterproof by Amber Garr

Posted on October 28, 2015 by fundinmental

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Cover: Emma Michaels

MY REVIEW

The premise for Waterfall and Waterproof reads like nonfiction and perhaps contains a warning. People have fought over water rights since they began claiming land as their own and the fights continue into present day. This series is a thought provoking look at a future that we could be living.

Zach and Vivienne live in a government run complex. When the facility is attacked, the big question is, will they stay or will they go.

“Why anyone thought the idiots in Washington could manage this disaster is beyond me.”

Zach’s comment has a ring of truth to it, don’t you think?

Pollution and terrorism make Vivienne’s decision for her.

Vivenne and Zach’s sexual banter had me chuckling, even though they are only “just friends”.

Does Vivienne’s desire to be a sword wielding, ass kicking ninja type come true?

As their world falls down around them and the country becomes a military state, it is the same old story, the rich survive and the poor are…well, it is not good. Who can you trust in such desperate times?

I loved Waterfall from the beginning to the end. It grabbed me early and I held on for the ride of sadness. loss, fear, terror, confusion and the struggle to survive in a world gone crazy.

The cliffhanger had me reaching for Book II, Waterproof. I think it will do the same to you.

I received Waterfall by Amber Garr in return for an honest review.

4 stars

Book & Author details:

Waterfall & Waterproof by Amber Garr
(The Water Crisis Chonicles, #1)
Genres: Dystopia, New Adult

Synopsis book 1 – Waterfall:

The water is gone. The wars have begun.

Clean water is a luxury most can no longer afford. Climate change, industrial sabotage, and greed have turned country against country as each one tries to provide for its citizens. Terrorist groups target desalinization plants and frustrated governments hunt those who work against them. Rationing, sequestering, and patrolling have become routine at a time when there are too many people and not enough resources.

While the world around them disintegrates into chaos, Zach and Vivienne hope that their life in a government-run complex will retain some semblance of normalcy. But when attacks on their water supplies bring war to their sheltered community, they must accept their new fate. Stay and fight or flee and endure—it’s a difficult decision with lasting consequences.

Will they choose what’s safe? Or will they choose to survive?

Waterproof(1) Add me to Goodreads

Cover: Emma Michaels and Amber Garr

MY REVIEW

Waterproof kicks off with action that had me racing through the pages.

Anyone who bucked the system was considered a deserter and dealt with “appropriately.”

Pollution, population overcrowding, terrorists destroying the desalinization plants, greed, nuclear holocaust, disease, martial law, the draft – once in, never out – who will survive?

The groups dynamic changes as the characters come and go, whether by choice or death. I do wonder who will be left standing.

The horror is unbelievably grotesque. The mad scientists are on the loose.

This is one of those stories that will give you food for thought. In an apocalypse, who will survive? Is it the haves or have nots? Is it the strongest or the smartest? Is the sacrifice of the many for the survival of the few the rule of thumb? How do people twist their minds into thinking heinous acts are acceptable? Will there be any humanity left on the planet?

How far would you go to save the one you love?

Science fiction meets horror and it ain’t pretty.

The writing was so detailed I could see it, feel it, and it gave me shivers. The characters are well developed and become more complex as they grow and learn to survive and love in a new world.

I am very curious to see where this ends, to find out how many of their makeshift family will survive.

I do love a happy ever after, but we will have to wait and see. Waterproof has no cliffhanger, but it does make me eager to read the next book in the series, Watermarked.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 stars

Synopsis book 2 – Waterproof:

Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart. A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

Disclaimer: Waterproof is a new adult dystopian with sex, violence, and language that may not be suitable for a younger audience.

ABOUT AMBER GARR

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling novels The Syrenka Series, the award-winning Water Crisis Chronicles, The Leila Marx Novels, and the Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie. Find out more at www.ambergarr.com.

Author links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Giveaway

Tour-wide giveaway

Kindle Fire HD (US Only)
Ebooks of Waterfall and Waterproof (INTL)

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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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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Flying high with Skydreamer by Sheryl Winters

Posted on June 22, 2015 by fundinmental

Hello fellow dragon lovers. I am so happy to be able to share Skydreamer by Sheryl Winters with you today.

Take a gander at this beautiful cover, then read my review and enter the giveaway at the end of the post.

I loved this book, so I am interested in your thoughts.

Add me to Goodreads now.

Title: Skydreamer

Author: Sheryl Winters

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: March 30, 2015

Keywords: New Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Dragons, Twins

MY REVIEW

Skydreamer is a wonderful fantasy with dragons, spirits, conjuring and magic, that kept me on the edge of my seat hoping all will end with a happy ever after.

This is a heartfelt story of three sisters, who are poor and struggling to survive. Ever since their parents died, they have lived in the shed, while their uncle lounges in the home they should be in. He holds their inheritance over their heads, forcing them to work as slaves in the bar they think they will inherit, but Jaden believes he has other plans.

Jaden, her twin, Isla and Adania have all the ups and downs, and trials and tribulations of a normal family, then add dragons and magic and a greedy uncle who cares naught for them. All the girls have talents.

Jaden needs alcohol to fuel her conjuring of fire.

Isla needs water to conjure ice.

Their four year old sister, Adania has an Esprit, Mr Dirty. Imagine a four year old believing dirt is her friend and you will kill her friends if you wash them or her. Adania is easy to visualize. I smile at her all the time. An enchanting imp who loves her dirt, trusting in her sisters.

Two young women and a child struggling to survive. They try to do the right thing by her.

Jaden feels the contest is their only way out. Women from the age of twenty one to thirty compete and the winner gets a one year marriage to Draven Winterbourn, King of the Dragon-Changers and a pot of gold. Someone will die, but she feels the risk is worth the reward.

Jaden denigrates herself, always feeling unworthy. She is not a warrior princess, but she is strong enough to endure all the heartache life throws at her and come out on top.

Of course, we know Jaden wins. She then proceeds to faint in his arms. It is love at first site, but she needs Isla, her twin. Jaden is painfully shy and easily frightened like…a deer caught in the glare of headlights. When her sisters are sent away, she panics and runs.

With no one to trust and nowhere to go, Jaden ends up VERY far from home.

Sheryl’s writing style is full of love and humor.

The questioning banter between Draven and Jaden is touching and hints at what is to come. He is the perfect dragon husband, soft and cuddly, patient and happy, with good looks, smiles and a generous nature, but Jaden has trouble trusting his love for her.

Draven and Ra’von are twins too. I think I know what that means and I hope it does come true.

A lot is predictable but Sheryl throws a curve ball or two in there, making me wonder. I kept saying, please don’t leave me hanging.

When Sheryl sent Jaden into an alternate universe, she kept me on the edge of my seat, so afraid I would not find my answer now. I have to know if this will be a wonderful romance with a happy ever after. Thank you, Sheryl for not leaving me with a cliffhanger.

A feel good fantasy that had me soaring with the dragons and I will grab any book I see written by Sheryl Winters.

I received Skydreamer by Sheryl Winers in return for an honest review.

5 Stars

BLURB

Jaden is one in a million, a fire talent capable of bonding with a fire Esprit and creating fireballs of enormous proportions.

Draven Winterbourn is the devilishly handsome king of the Dragon-Changers, capable of changing into an enormous dragon. A man responsible for keeping the laws of his people.

When the two meet it was more than fate, it was true love.

So how can everything go so wrong between a couple who love so much?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

“…The Contest is open to all women between the ages of twenty-one and thirty. Contestants are required to bring their own reagents. The use of Alchemy is strictly prohibited. Chance of winning twelve hundred gold per round is one in…”

Voices press in on me from every side. The week of constant traveling has done me in. All I want to do is hide in the vego and sleep. I don’t even care if we have enough for dinner tonight. I feel trapped by the chattering voices of the crowd mashed up with the officials on the Dais.

“I heard the King’s mother set up this contest herself. Talk about the ultimate mama’s boy. He has to be uglier than a troll if his mother has to marry him off this way,” someone suggested.

“… high possibility of death,” came a skeptical voice, “but with twelve hundred gold per round, everyone should enter.”

“Which one is Draven?” a shrill voice demands.

“Are you blind?” Came the reply. “He’s the one good looking one with the light brown hair. The one standing next to King Evrid.”

“You said he was ugly!”

It doesn’t matter who this Draven is. We are only here for Adania. If we win, every silver goes to her schooling. She’ll have a roof over her head and decent clothes. Nothing else matters.

My fingers sink back into the dark blue Legal Sphere I received earlier. The tiny ball settles into my palms with only a light sizzle and its message sounds inside my head.

All contestants will enter into an exclusive competition. The winner will win a one-year marriage with Draven Winterbourn, King of the Dragon-Changers. Iyardar Stone to choose the winner. In the event Draven Winterbourn does not agree with the Iyardar Stone, he has the right to veto said contestant and select one of his choosing from the remaining contestants. As stipulated, marriage duration will be one year, unless both parties—

“Is the Iyardar Stone a diamond, or a ruby?” I whisper to Isla. “And how does it choose a winner if it’s a rock?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT SHERYL WINTER

Sheryl Winters lives in a small town in Alaska. She grew up in the midst of old country story tellers, so you might say writing comes naturally to her. She is known for writing paranormal romances with a twist. Her writing inspiration often comes from the great outdoors of Alaska and she enfolds bits of it into her stories. She never set out to be an author only a story teller. Some days she succeeds better than others.

Ms. Winters Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Buy Links: Roane Publishing / Print: Createspace / Amazon / B&N

Smashwords / Bookstrand / All Romance eBooks / Kobo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

Sheryl will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/04/review-tour-skydreamer-by-sheryl-winters.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Was my review for Skydreamer by Sheryl Winters helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon or like it on GoodReads.

Giveaway & Guest Post for Bound by Spells by Stormy Smith

Posted on June 13, 2015 by fundinmental

Welcome to my stop for Bound By Spells by Stormy Smith.

BoundBySpellsBlitzBanner1

I am happy to be able have Stormy Smith here today, sharing her thought on Bound by Spells. Welcome, Stormy.

GUEST POST

We caught up with the author, Stormy Smith, and asked her to give us five non-spoiler facts we should know about Bound by Spells, and here is what she had to say.

Bound by Spells, in Five Words – List five words that describe Bound by Spells the best, and tell us why.

Action – Bound by Spells drops you right into the story and basically doesn’t quit. You’ll follow Amelia and Aidan separately, but meet a lot of new faces and never stop learning along the way.

Growth – Both Amelia and Aidan are young, just eighteen and nineteen. They are still figuring out who they are and what they are capable of. As the story progresses, you’re going to see some significant change out of both of them.

Connections – As a reader walking along with Amelia and Aidan, you’ll make a lot of connections between what you learned in Bound by Duty and what the realities of their situations truly are. You’ll also find the ties between some of our central secondary characters.

Friendship – If you were hoping to see Bethany again, of course I brought her back! But, there are also a lot of new friends introduced, and the whole story is impacted by friendships that were forged (or broken) years ago.

Love – Because at the heart of every good story and complicated ending is love. Sometimes it is between hearts, and sometimes it is the bond between people who are simply tied together by the will of another. But love changes everything.

If you want to check out this awesome series, which has 190 combined 5-star reviews on Amazon, we’ve got everything you need below.

Add to Goodreads now.

Bound by Spells by Stormy Smith
(Bound #2)
Publication date: March 19th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal

SYNOPSIS

Aidan Montgomery hadn’t been prepared for Amelia Bradbury to walk in and then out of his life. He also hadn’t expected to find the powerful magic hidden deep within him for the last nineteen years, but he’s embracing it — finding more control and more answers every day. Now, with the help of Amelia’s best friend, Bethany, Aidan is on a quest to understand his destiny and find Amelia.

Amelia decided to stand by her duty, which meant walking away from her first chance at love. Trapped in Cresthaven at the Queen’s mercy, she spends her days with Micah — an ally she still holds at arm’s length — struggling to manage her heartbreak while keeping her mind focused on the task at hand. As she continues to unlock the secrets of the Keeper power, Queen Julia’s true motives reveal themselves, forcing Amelia to decide, yet again, how much she’s willing to sacrifice.

Will Aidan get to Amelia before it’s too late, or will the very power that sustains them keep them apart?

Purchase: (Book 1 will be only 0.99c during the blitz!) Amazon / B&N

Add to Goodreads now.

SYNOPSIS

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she’s an Elder but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she’s betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and she doesn’t even know his name.

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky Southern girl and to fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is and not what she’ll be.

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head or her heart win the battle?

ABOUT STORMY SMITH

Stormy Smith calls Iowa’s capital home now, but was raised in a tiny town in the Southeast corner of the state. She grew to love books honestly, having a mom that read voraciously and instilled that same love in her. She knew quickly that stories of fantasy were her favorite, and even as an adult gravitates toward paranormal stories in any form.

Writing a book had never been an aspiration, but suddenly the story was there and couldn’t be stopped. When she isn’t working on, or thinking about, her books, Stormy’s favorite places include bar patios, live music shows, her yoga mat or anywhere she can relax with her husband or girlfriends.

If you want to stay tuned in to all of the new release news, sign up for Stormy’s spam-free newsletter. It only comes out when something exciting is happening…promise! http://eepurl.com/WLlq1

Get more information on her website – www.stormysmith.com.

Author links: Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)