Review – Poisoned Lily by Nik Grybaski #nikgrybaski #mystery

Posted on March 28, 2023 by fundinmental

MY REVIEW

I am intrigued by the amazing cover, the great title and the mystery within Poisoned Lily by Nik Grybaski. The story is okay and a quick read, 72 pages. Be prepared to be transported to the past in this historical mystery. The treatment of the dead woman could be happening in real time, seeing she is unimportant to some and deserving of an investigation to others.

Leo Katz, a photographer, and Klaus Rosnbloom, a pathologist, stumble onto each other, working together to help the police solve the crime. This is a quick, yet enjoyable read that some may like more than I.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Poisoned Lily by Nik Grybaski.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 2 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

Was Lily murdered, or did her sinister secret force her to take her own life?

In a room above a tavern, on the hedonistic streets of Praterstrasse Vienna, is the dead body of a kept woman.

A mysterious lady sits alone in the bar. A man exits the premises through the back door, gripping onto a cane with an amber head. A youth, clutching a bottle, stumbles down the stairs and drinks the remnants of the poison his dead lover, Lily, took just minutes before.

Was it suicide?

It’s up to photographer Leo Katz and his new friend, pathologist Klaus Rosenbloom, to solve the mystery. But how can they discover who the killer is when vicious thugs steal vital evidence and threaten their lives?

Grab you copy of this thrilling murder mystery now!

ABOUT NIK GRYBASKI

Nik Grybaski is neither real nor imaginary, existing solely in the shadows of the worlds Nik creates.

Nik is responsible for creating Leo Katz and the things that Leo gets up to when Nik is asleep.

A dabbler at most things useless but creative, Nik writes to forget…Nik has already forgotten.

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Review – The Girl Who Crossed The Line by Tikiri Herath @Herath_Tikiri

Posted on March 22, 2023 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I gave The Girl Who Crossed The Line by Tikiri Herath two stars and let me tell you why. Disappointment. Everything about the prequel intrigued me. From the cover to the blurb, I was drawn in. BUT, the prequel was only half the book, ending in a cliffhanger. The other half, chapters of Book I, The Girl Who Ran Away…and that, of course, left me wanting more. Soooo, I was miffed. I wouldn’t waste my time with this one. If it sounds like one for you, go for Book I, The Girl Who Ran Away.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy The Girl Who Crossed The Line by Tikiri Herath.

GOODREADS BLURB

A reckless girl. A grave mistake. A fateful destiny.

She’s the underdog everyone loves to hate….

…then she commits a crime.

Young Asha is the outsider, the girl everyone loves to hate at school.

One day, she does the unspeakable in a desperate bid to keep a friendship.

But she doesn’t realize her misdeed has got the attention of a ruthless and powerful man who rules the dark underworld of human trafficking.

Will he let her get away with it?

Or will he entrap her too?

One thing is for sure. Asha’s grave mistake will haunt her for the rest of her life.
Did you like Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo? Then, you’ll love Asha from the Red Heeled Rebels.

Begin a wild ride around the world without getting a passport or even buying an airline ticket.
Get it now.

_________________________________________________________________________

The Girl Who Crossed the Line is the prequel story to the addictive Red Heeled Rebels psychological suspense series.

*This book was formerly titled Shattered / Beginnings.

If you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers with flawed but gutsy heroines, vigilante action in exotic locales and twists that get your pulse pounding, you’ll love these books by multiple award-winning Canadian novelist, Tikiri Herath.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

ABOUT TIKIRI HERATH

Tikiri Herath is the multiple award-winning author of international mystery and thriller novels.

Tikiri has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Victoria, Canada, and a master’s degree from the Solvay Business School in Brussels, Belgium. For almost two decades, she worked in the intelligence and defense sectors, including in the Canadian Federal Government and at NATO in Europe and North America.

Tikiri’s an adrenaline junkie who has rock climbed, bungee jumped, rode on the back of a motorcycle across Quebec, flown in an acrobatic airplane upside down, and parachuted solo.

When she’s not plotting another thriller scene or planning an adrenaline-filled trip, you’ll find her baking in her kitchen with a glass of red Shiraz and vintage jazz playing in the background.

Born in Sri Lanka, Tikiri grew up in East Africa and has studied, worked, and lived in Southeast Asia, continental Europe, and North America through her adult life.

An international nomad and fifth-culture kid, she now calls Canada home.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn

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Reviews for The Valens of Legacy, Book I & II, by Sherrel Lee @gryphoenix

Posted on December 20, 2022 by fundinmental

I was looking on my TBR for something to read that I didn’t ‘have’ to review (because I have several others waiting to be written) and came across this fabulous cover. 🙂 Then, I saw I had the second book too. There are numerous books in the series and I am excited to see they are on Kindle Unlimited.

I mean…look at that fabulous cover. How could I possibly resist?

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Flipping through my reading list, I came across this gorgeous cover. Then, I saw I had the second book in The Valen Legacy by Sherrel Lee, and I had to read on. Valens Remembered is a prequel and it sure caught my attention. Short and not so sweet, I quickly got caught up in the intrigue. Why is everyone in the Nix family being bumped off?

Larinda Nix Thomas has lost two sets of parents. She only has memories of her adoptive parents, but that is only a temporary situation. You see, Larinda is special. She is a Valen. A unicorn shapeshifter, born to guard humankind. BUT…

A quick read of loss, sorrow, danger and intrigue. I am so happy that I have Valens Rise, Book II waiting to be read.

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I immediately began reading Valens Rise by Sherrel Lee after reading the prequel, Valens Remembered. I was just getting involved with Larinda when….

Jemma NIx is a Phoenix, but doesn’t know it…yet. She has no family and doesn’t realize the danger she will face. She had been in the foster system, but that didn’t work for her, so she grew up on the streets. She is naive, untrusting, easily misled. She began to run away at a very young age, ending up on the street, until she found out she was the sole survivor of an inheritance that will change her life. She is childlike in her joy when experiencing new things.

I love when Hawke takes her to the fair and she has her first corndog.

“Ooooooh, it’s really good….I may become addicted. Who knew meat by products on a stick could manifest love at first bite?”

I can understand her making some mistakes, going to the wrong people for help, seeing she doesn’t know who she can trust.

For the first time in her life, sexual feelings are coming alive. Hawke makes her feel ‘funny’ and I feel a romance coming. Her aches and pains are something else. She does not yet know that Valens are a special breed of human…and she is a Phoenix.

I was sad to say goodbye to Larinda in the first book, but I am quickly becoming a ‘friend’ to Jemma, whether she realizes it or not. LOL I love humor with danger and Sherrell Lee gave me smiles, along with the…NO, DON’T DO THAT. NO, DON’T GO THERE.

I don’t read as many books about Phoenixes as I do Werewolves and Vampires, so I try and snap them up. I am loving this series and the covers that spotlight what supernatural/fantasy creature will be the star.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Valens Rise by Sherrell Lee.

GOODREADS BLURB

When Jemma Nix, a shape shifting phoenix discovers her family’s legacy, she is overwhelmed with distrust and doubt. Her entire family may have been murdered. Her mentor may be using her in a deadly pursuit of power.

Confronted with these facts, Jemma begins to suspect that those closest to her are mad. Refusing to believe their claims of a secret race, she pushes away the one man who may be able to help. The one man who she may love. Rather than face the reality of her new life, Jemma makes a fateful decision. One that places the Valens in jeopardy and forces them to face a deadly, genetically engineered threat.

ABOUT SHERREL LEE

Sherrel Lee lives in a land called Texas and is the wrangler of a fearsome Yorkiepoo named Rogue (Half Yorkie half Poodle weighing in at a hefty eight pounds). She is a mother and grandmother who encourages her family to live life on their own terms, and to laugh as often as they can. She is fascinated with the real and mystical worlds of Urban Fantasy and Romantic suspense chasing murderous villains through the pages of her books.

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Prequel: Scarlet Claimed by Dora Blume @BlumeDora

Posted on April 12, 2022 by fundinmental

Scarlet Claimed (The Raven Vampire Assassin Series)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I was still Hope Matthews, the baddest bitch of a detective.

Hope was a workaholic. When everyone left work, she couldn’t help but continue the investigation into the exsanguination of a body…where did the blood go? Yeah, it is predictable and a prequel. It did what I expected, teased me into wanting more. If I was going to read the series, it might be worth the 99c. I did enjoy their give and take in the dialogue and it had me smiling. I think the whole Raven Vampire Assassin series could be some great reading.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Scarlett Claimed by Dora Blume.

GOODREADS BLURB

A skilled homicide detective, A mysterious murder, A vampire who will do anything to stay in the shadows…

Hope is a skilled detective. When she delves into a mysterious case, Reed offers his assistance. Too bad, he’s the one who is hell-bent on covering everything up. When she uncovers evidence linking Reed to the crime, he kidnaps her before she can reveal his secret. He’s a vampire.

Now Hope has landed on the vampire council’s radar. Her skills become a curse as the council decides she’d make a great addition to the Raven vampire assassins. But before she can join their ranks she’ll need to be trained in the art of war.

Her betrayer has become her trainer, and her life is in his hands. Will she be able to put her hatred aside to save her life?

ABOUT DORA BLUME (from Amazon)

Dora Blume writes fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. When she’s not writing spunky female characters and their dreamy love interests, she’s binge watching reruns of Psych, hiking in the nearby woods with her dogs, or cooking something delicious. Her love of writing comes second to her love of reading. If you love her books, check out Dannika Dark or Mckenzie Hunter. They’re two of my many idols. For all the latest releases and updates on exclusive readers, subscribe to Dora Blume’s newsletter today

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

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One Sentence Review – The Point of Death by Roslyn Woods

Posted on November 11, 2017 by fundinmental

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA

MY ONE SENTENCE REVIEW

I did enjoy The Point of Death by Roslyn Woods that reads like a character study of the good and the bad people do, how they perform in dangerous situations, under pressure, as the gals draw in their small circle of close friends and put the pieces of the mystery together.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Point of Death by Roslyn Woods.

3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

This is a prequel to the Michelle Hodge Series: Twenty-four year old Shell Hodge is in the final stretch of her quest for a master’s degree in art history when tragedy strikes at her art co-op near the University of Texas at Austin. She finds the body of beautiful and charismatic Dr. Leone, her art teacher from UT, and she is forced to endure a long and aggressive interview by the police. Believing that the approach of the detectives–targeting the students who cared most about their teacher–is unlikely to result in the capture of the real murderer, Shell embarks on her own search for answers. A strange circle of clues leads back to her best friend’s ex, Jeremy. Meanwhile, that same best friend, Margie–an aspiring chef and a successful baker–has some ideas of her own about Jeremy, one of them being that she wants to keep her little dog and herself as far away from him as possible. Enlisting the help of a handsome psychologist seems like a good idea at first, but learning that he also has a secret and that it, too, leads back to the murder victim, puts Margie on an emotional rollercoaster while Shell winds up at the point of death when she finds herself facing a killer.

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A Mind Blowing Betrayal in A Killing Truth by @dvberkom

Posted on March 23, 2016 by fundinmental

DV Berkom is back today with her new prequel to the Leine Basso stand alone series, A Killing Truth. I have been very curious about Leine’s life as a government assassin, before she started chasing down serial killers, and now I get to know how she came to be the person she is today and the mind blowing betrayal that changed her life forever.

So come along on another grand adventure as the action and suspense take us down a long and ugly road of betrayal of the worst kind.

And if you missed DV Berkom’s guest post on Writing a Killer as Your Main Character, you can check it out HERE and enter the giveaway.

MY REVIEW

The Leine Basso series by DV Berkom is jam packed with action and adventure and Leine Basso is one badass protagonist that I would love to have on my side in my time of need. When I found out DV Berkom was going to write her story about before she started hunting down serial killers and taking out drug cartel, I thought, bring it on.

I have been looking forward to learning about Leine Basso before…

Leine Basso is an ex assassin, strong on the outside, yet soft on the inside, even though she does her best to hide it from everyone. She is super smart and does what needs to be down, no matter how tough the job.

What drove her to quit her government job as an assassin?

The betrayal by her boss leads to horrific consequences for Leine, so tragic, that it will haunt her for the rest of her life as she struggles to reconcile with her daughter. Will she ever be able to have a “normal” life…well, normal to her. You know love, a relationship, a man you can trust with your life. She has sacrificed so much, she deserves a chance at happiness…and DV…I believe you will give it to her. Right? LOL

I had wondered if I may be disappointed with A Killing Truth because I have been wanting to see how DV Berkom would write her story ever since I met Leine Basso. Now, I can breathe a sigh of relief. Disappointed? NO WAY. I am not surprised that this prequel is my favorite Leine Basso story yet. It explains her motivations, at the same time it is filled with action packed danger and suspense that kept me hanging on every word.

I found that I am happy I didn’t know her story before hand. It carries so much more meaning for me now and I feel her sense of betrayal and my anger makes me wonder how she could have ever allowed him to live and breathe. I am so pissed off, I don’t know how Leine manages. I never saw the twisted story that DV Berkom created and I love/hate it. I love it because it was such a horrible surprise that, in hindsight, I should have caught, but DV wrote it in such a way that shes slid it right by me. Excellent job! And I hate it because…well…you will have to read it to find out for yourself.

I received a copy of A Killing Truth by DV Berkom in return for an honest review.

5 Stars

And if you missed DV Berkom’s guest post on Writing a Killer as Your Main Character, you can check it out HERE and enter the giveaway.

GOODREADS BLURB

Before serial killers and drug cartels, Leine faced the ultimate betrayal…

Leine eliminates terrorists for a living. After a routine assassination almost gets her killed, she chalks it up to a fluke. Her lover and fellow assassin, Carlos, has another idea altogether. He thinks their boss is setting them up for a fall.

When Carlos goes missing and a bombing thwarts another mission, Leine suspects the stakes are far higher than she could ever imagine, and wonders if the man in charge might have it in for her after all.

A Killing Truth is the prequel to the award-winning Leine Basso thriller series of crime novels. If you like no-nonsense heroines, page-turning plots, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love D.V. Berkom’s tension-filled series.

Download A Killing Truth to find out how the story began…

ABOUT DV BERKOM

DV Berkom is a slave to the voices in her head. As the author of two popular thriller series (Leine Basso and Kate Jones), her love of creating resilient, kick-*ss female characters stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, mysteries, and thrillers, and longing to find the female equivalent within those pages.

Raised in the Midwest, she received her BA in political science from the University of Minnesota and promptly moved to Mexico to live on a sailboat. Many, many cross-country moves (and several years) later, she now lives just outside of Seattle, Washington with the love of her life, Mark, an ex-chef-turned contractor, and writes every chance she gets.