Tag Archives: read in 2020

Giveaway & Review – A Fighting Chance by Chrys Fey @ChrysFey

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I was watching the Bones TV series, the episode where Bones and Booth get married. When Cundi Lauper began singing At Last, I immediately thought of sharing it with this review. It seemed so appropriate. Funny how that happens sometimes.

GUEST POST

Sherry Asked: Why did you name Detective Thorn…Thorn?

Chrys Fey’s Answer: Honestly, I don’t remember. HAHAHA! Usually, I’ll have a first name for a character, and then I have to come up with a good last name to go with it. I’ll explore surname websites and even the credits for movies to find a suitable last name. When it comes to my detective or law enforcement characters, I first come up with the surname that’ll pair well with “Detective” or “Officer.” I do this before even considering the first name. If I ever do.

For example, Officer Burnett is a character we meet in Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes Book 2), and we are reacquainted with him in A Fighting Chance. I simply considered a last name that sounded good with “Officer.” I wanted it to be strong. Officer Burnett is a strong title and name combo. So, when it came time to name the detective who comes in to help hunt down the corrupt cop and murderer David Buckland aka Buck, I literally contemplated what name would sound really badass with “Detective.” It doesn’t get much more badass than Detective Thorn.

Pages: 154

Genre: Romantic-Suspense

Heat Rating: Hot

MY REVIEW

It’s a great day. A Fighting Chance is the final book in the Disaster series and it it time for Thorn’s and Amanda’s story to be told.

Because you may want to start this series at the very beginning with Hurricane Crimes, I will try not to give anything away. I have loved growing and living life to the fullest with Beth and Donovan and would love for you to learn what they have been through to have a life so good they never even dreamed of it.

Thorn is a police officer and best friend to Beth and Donovan. Amanda is a survivor of domestic violence, still hiding out from her ex. She works with Beth at the Fighting Chance, and has become a very good friend of hers. These women have learned to stick together and their man will put their life on the line to keep them safe.

Amanda has found so much to live for, and when the danger comes walking through the door, she knows she cannot face it alone. Thank goodness she doesn’t have to.

She is afraid for Thorn. Afraid to hope for happiness. She is broken, but not beaten.

Thorn and Amanda’s relationship develops in a slow, realistic way. It is tentative and sweet.

I loved reading about her home remedies for defending her home. They are low tech, but they do the job. When Amanda talks about how she points her blinds, I couldn’t help but smile. I do the same thing.

Chrys Fey handles a difficult topic, like domestic abuse in a graceful and interesting way and I can’t help but believe it could be an inspiration for those who need a little bit of help to feel they are worth of a good, loving life.

The feeling of evil, of danger, of a sense of urgency, is subtle, but present throughout the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of A Fighting Chance by Chrys Fey.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

BLURB

*A FIGHTING CHANCE is Book 6 in the Disaster Crimes series, but it’s a spin-off featuring a new couple, so it can be read as a standalone.*

Thorn has loved Amanda from afar, giving her whatever she needs as a survivor of abuse—space, protection, and stability. He yearns to give her more, though, to share his feelings, kiss her, love her, but he’s worried the truth will frighten her away.

And Amanda is afraid. She’s scared of her attraction for Thorn. Most of all, she’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, who is lurking nearby where no one can find him. When she grows closer to Thorn, Damon retaliates, jeopardizing their happy ending.

Up against an abusive ex and Mother Nature, do Thorn and Amanda have a fighting chance?

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

EXCERPT

Amanda looked up from the current list of up-to-date payments for classes. A movement outside the glass storefront caught her eye. She tilted her head to see a man coming up the sidewalk from the side where the picnic bench sat. Through the vertical blinds, she glimpsed a square face—a short, rugged beard and long, dark hair pulled into a man bun. Her breath fled from her lungs. Her body went from icy cold to flaming hot in the span of a millisecond. She dropped to the floor and slid under the counter, beneath the ledge where they put their purses and cell phones.

“What—” Beth peeked at the windows. Then she snapped her fingers at April and pointed at the stools.

April jumped into action. She pushed the stools in so they blocked Amanda. The bell attached to the door jingled as April removed the jacket she wore and draped it across the stools, creating a curtain to shield Amanda.

From a crack, Amanda watched Beth move to stand in front of the twins, who were in their walkers playing peacefully. “I’m sorry, but we’re going to be closing.”

“I don’t give a shit. I’m here for Amanda.”

The sound of Damon’s voice had her heart beating even harder. That voice had haunted her nightmares, had come back to life in her memories.

Beth cocked her head to the side. “Who? There’s no one by that name here.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know she works here.”

His voice was closer now.

***FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME***

THE DISASTER CURSE

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

Author’s Note: I wrote The Disaster Curse to answer a few lingering questions readers may have after reading A Fighting Chance, and to tie the whole series together with a neat, shiny, perfect little bow. Plus, there was one disaster that I hadn’t written about yet. *wink*

The Disaster Crimes Series:

  • *The Crime Before the Storm (prequel)
  • Hurricane Crimes (novella, #1)
  • Seismic Crimes (#2)
  • Lightning Crimes (free short, #2.5)
  • Tsunami Crimes (#3)
  • Flaming Crimes (#4)
  • Frozen Crimes (#5)
  • A Fighting Chance (spin-off, #6)
  • The Disaster Curse (short story, #7)

*Free exclusive story to newsletter subscribers.

***LAUNCHING A WEBSITE***

TheFightingChance.org is a website dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Inspired by the Disaster Crimes series.

***GIVEAWAY***

Prizes: Hurricane Crimes (Disaster Crimes 1) and Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes 2) eBooks (mobi or epub), Hurricane Crimes Playing Cards, Girl Boss Sign, and a Volcanic Blast Scented Candle

a Rafflecopter giveaway ;

ABOUT CHRYS FEY

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

Author Links:  Newsletter / Website / Facebook Group /Blog / BookBub

Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

MY CHRYS FEY 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!

Meet Amanda Steele in The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold @Carolyn_Arnold @HibbertStiles

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NEW RELEASE

The Little Grave is my introduction to Amanda Steele, but not to Carolyn Arnold. She writes some amazing stories and I am happy to have read….some.

Woo Hoo. I love when I see my name in a book, whether intentional or not. Do you ever see yours?

The Little Grave (Detective Amanda Steele #1)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Amanda Steel had lost her reason for living. She lost her husband and her child to a drunk driver. Since then, her life has been a series of one night stands and a loss of her desire to follow in her father’s footsteps, becoming a police chief. It takes a sleeping pill for her to get any rest. Becky, her best friend, is her salvation.

When the man responsible for her family’s death ends up dead himself, she is allowed to investigate, under the direction of her new partner, or so they say. That is the only thing I didn’t like about the book. Maybe it would happen in real life, maybe not, but Carolyn Arnold’s books are so realistic, that it stuck with me.

At times I was sure I knew where Carolyn and Amanda were taking me…then there would be a curve in the road, leading me to who knows where. Only Carolyn Arnold knows…until YOU read the story yourself.

Amanda Steele’s past comes back to haunt her, though, in truth, it never left her.

Carolyn Arnold is an amazing author, creating complex stories and characters that keep me reading until the last page is turned. I want to know, I have to know. I do hope Amanda Steele can find the life she is meant to live.

Some serious issues arise, like murder, alcoholism, death, sex trafficking, and Amanda Steele, Carolyn Arnold, and I are on the case.

Two doozies at the end of the story have me salivating, thirsting for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of The LIttle Grave by Carolyn Arnold.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Detective Amanda Steele stops just inside the doorway, recognizing the victim’s face instantly. He seems so vulnerable in death; soft, human, even harmless. But she can never forget the evil he has inflicted. Her heart is hammering as she remembers her precious daughter, with her red curls and infectious laugh, and how she was lowered into that little grave…

It’s been five years since Detective Amanda Steele’s life was derailed in the path of an oncoming drunk driver. The small community of Dumfries, Virginia, may have moved on from the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter, but Amanda cannot. When the driver who killed her family is found murdered in a motel room, she can’t keep away from the case.

Fighting her sergeant to be allowed to work an investigation with such a personal connection to her, Amanda is in a race to prove that she can uncover the truth. But the more she digs into the past of the man who destroyed her future, the more shocking discoveries she makes. And when Amanda finds the link between a silver bracelet in his possession and the brutal unsolved murder of a young exotic dancer, she realizes she’s caught up in something darker than she ever imagined and suspects that more girls could be in danger.

But as Amanda edges toward the truth, she gets closer to a secret as personal as it is deadly. Amanda has stumbled upon a dangerous killer, and she must face some terrible truths in order to catch this killer – and save his next victim as she couldn’t save her own daughter…

A gripping, page-turning thriller full of mystery and suspense. Perfect for fans of Rachel Caine, Lisa Regan and Robert Dugoni.

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 just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

Connect with CAROLYN ARNOLD Online:  Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

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

  • 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!

Amazing – Stranger Danger by Michaelbrent Collings @mbcollings

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Stranger Danger

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

WOW…I mean…WOW. Each story in Michaelbrent Collings Stranger series keeps getting better and better, but seeing my rating system only goes to 5…I have a full page of notes and I think that means I’ll be doing some editing. Don’t want to give away too much…only want to teeeeease you. 🙂

Not everyone that Legion seeks out dies, but you better be on your best behavior. If he has any doubts….

Legion is one of those characters I fall in love with and never want to lose, never want his story to end, even though I wonder how it will. He reminds me of Dexter, meting out his own version of vigilante justice. How can his ending be a good one? I don’t see it, yet I want it. Like all people, he is neither all good or all bad. Where his journeys are taking him, I don’t think even he knows, but there is a destination he seeks.

Warning…Set aside some time. Once I began, I couldn’t stop. Listening to him talk to Fire, Water and The One had my head spinning, at times. Each individual voice has it’s own personality. But…something is changing. He doesn’t know what, but he feels it all the same.

There are discriminating, racist, sexist, gangs, white supremicist elements, but isn’t that like real life? A mother trying to save her and her son, a Wolf after revenge…and Legion. Even with all the danger and violence…no punches are pulled… in Michaelbrent Collings Stranger series, there are moments of levity.

Michaelbrent Collings Stranger series is at the top of its class. Love, love, love Legion. He is such a tortured, complex individual. I don’t know how Michael takes each story to a new level of breath taking suspense and so many book surprises, they even last until the last page. I am desperate for more!

What a fabulous TV series The Stranger stories would make!!!! I’m sure it would do fantastic as movies, but I am a TV addict. Is anyone listening? Who would you choose to play the lead? I’m going to have to think on that.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Stranger Danger by Michaelbrent Collings.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

He will teach you the lesson…
… he knows you’re dying to learn.

Legion is a teacher. An avenging angel. A murderer.

A madman.

Raised in the underground hideout of an insane father, he searches for those who keep secrets and sins. Then he teaches them how to leave those mistakes behind. Even if it means killing them to do it.

Because sometimes murder is the cost of a proper education.

That’s why, when he comes to a neighborhood in the grips of a vicious gang war, he knows the time has come to teach.

Soon Legion – and his imaginary brothers, Water and Fire – are caught in the middle of a vicious fight for control of the Downs, the worst part of a city on the verge of anarchy.

Legion is facing enemies on all sides. Hundreds of men will stop at nothing to capture or kill him.

Legion will teach the lessons. And the students will never forget, no matter how long – or short – their lives may be.

The students are ready.

And the teacher will never stop.

ABOUT MICHAELBRENT COLLINGS

Michaelbrent Collings

Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally-bestselling novelist, multiple Bram Stoker Award nominee, produced screenwriter, and one of the top indie horror writers in the United States.

He hopes someday to develop superpowers, or, if that is out of the question, then at least to get a cool robot arm.

Michaelbrent has a wife and several kids, all of whom are much better looking than he is (though he admits that’s a low bar to set), and also cooler than he is.

Michaelbrent also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MichaelbrentC… and can be followed on Twitter through his username @mbcollings. Follow him for cool news, updates, and advance notice of sales. You will also be kept safe when the Glorious Revolution begins!

STALK MICHAELBRENT: Website / Twitter

MY MICHAELBRENT COLLINGS 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’s 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!

Dark Humor – One Tough Bastard by Adam Howe @Adam_G_Howe

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EARLY REVIEW – One Tough Bastard by Adam Howe will release on 3.1.21

One Tough Bastard

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

As soon as I saw the cover, I thought of Planet of the Apes. Then, as I began reading, I thought of Clint Eastwood in Any Which Way of Loose…but so much more twisted.

Adam Howe does write some in your face, way out there stories and I love spending time in his dark, wacky, perverted worlds.

Shane Moxie is a despicable person, but he does have his moments.

At times, I couldn’t keep myself from laughing out loud.

For all you cinephobes out there, One Tough Bastard by Adam Howe is full of movie and actor references.

I always have difficulty describing Adam Howe’s work. The characters are unique, original, crass, and even seem totally off the wall, at times, but when the ‘chimps’ are down, they are there, dodging bullets and knives.

One Tough Bastard by Adam Howe was not one of my favorite stories by him, but I did enjoy my visit.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of One Tough Bastard by Adam Howe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Shane Moxie: A washed-up 80s action star
who refuses to believe his best days are behind him…

Duke: A hyper-intelligent chimpanzee
and arguably the greatest animal actor of his generation…

Reunited for an anniversary movie screening, when Moxie and Duke are targeted by assassins, the feuding co-stars reluctantly join forces to smash an organized crime syndicate headed by an iconic German action star dealing death from his movie-themed fast food franchise.

One’s a big dumb animal
The other’s a chimpanzee
Shit just got real

From Adam Howe, writer of Die Dog or Eat the Hatchet and Tijuana Donkey Showdown, and the winner of Stephen King’s On Writing contest, comes a ‘buddy’ comedy in the tradition of Lethal Weapon, 48 Hours, and Tango & Cash, and a love letter to the gory glory days of 80s/90s action cinema. One Tough Bastard will turn you into a goddamn sexual tyrannosaurus… just like its author.

ABOUT ADAM HOWE

Adam Howe

Adam Howe writes the twisted fiction your mother warned you about. A British writer of fiction and screenplays, he lives in London with his partner, their daughter, and a hellhound named Gino. Writing as Garrett Addams, his short story Jumper was chosen by Stephen King as the winner of the international On Writing contest, and published in the paperback/Kindle editions of King’s memoir. His fiction has appeared in places like Nightmare Magazine, Thuglit, Mythic Delirium, and Year’s Best Hardcore Horror Volume 1. He is the author of Tijuana Donkey Showdown, and two novella collections, Die Dog or Eat the Hatchet, and Black Cat Mojo. In the pipeline: the occult thriller Scapegoat, co-written with James Newman, a horror/crime collaboration with Adam Cesare, and 80s action throwback, One Tough Bastard.

Stalk him at Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter

MY ADAM HOWE 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’.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Broken Gems #6 – Salvaging Marigold by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor #romanticsuspense

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Jane Blythe writes some fabulous suspense/thrillers and I am always eager to read whatever she writes. So…buckle up, because I am sure this will be a bumpy ride.

Salvaging Marigold (Broken Gems #6; Police and Fire: Operation Alpha)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Woo Hoo. Another romantic suspense novel for the Broken Gem series by Jane Blythe and I am super excited to share it with you.

Marigold was jealous of Emerald Hatcher, her cousin who is getting married, and she hates herself for it. Emerald deserves to be happy after all she has been through. Sure, love and life hasn’t worked out for Marigold…but Emerald and her sisters had been sold to traffickers and Marigold wants to be a part of their lives.

Of course, there is a hunkalicious piece of eye candy that catches her eye. I’m just wondering what’s going to happen to her for there to be a need to save her. Enter Jonah Jagger. He loves being a part of the Hatcher sister’s lives and wants a woman to love and cherish for himself. Jonah had filed for divorce because he was in love with the idea of love, not his wife, but she doesn’t accept it. How far will she go to TRY and get him back?

When the characters MEET…lips to lips…he cannot help himself. Nor could she. Marigold Vaile was there to change her life. Why not start with Mr Hottie? Seems all the girls want the cops that work with Sapphire, to her chagrin.

Marigold has a twin, Lavender. She had expected her to show up for the wedding. After all, she was the one that convinced Marigold to come in the first place. Marigold is the sensible one and Lavender has a devil may care attitude, but Marigold knows that something is very wrong when she doesn’t show up or answer her cell phone. A call to Sapphire and help is on the way. The sisters know what’s important in life and vow to make it happen.

WOW! That’s a direction I didn’t see going and the twists keep on coming, from one nightmare to another. AND, now, the suspense really ramps up. If you think you know where this romance suspense novel is going, you may be half right, because I know Jane Blythe will be adding a branch here and there on this family tree. I am waiting…for the other shoe to drop. How will it happen? When will it happen? I knew the moment was here when I wanted to take a two by four and smack Jonah up side the head. What a sap!

Jane Blythe’s writing is so wonderful and exciting with her happy ever afters that have me eagerly picking up each book with anticipation. She has never failed me, so I felt confident setting aside time. I know I won’t be putting the book down until the last page is read.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Salvaging Marigold by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

She’s been used by men her whole life what makes him any different?

Marigold Vaile has a bad track record when it comes to men, but she is determined to start the new year by making some changes. When her twin fails to show up for their cousin’s wedding she’s going to have to trust her one night stand to get her sister back alive. Is he different than all the others or will her heart be broken all over again?

Jonah Jagger moved to get away from his ex-wife after the disintegration of their marriage. When a stunning redhead catches his attention the two celebrate New Year’s Eve by tumbling into bed. What was only supposed to be one night quickly becomes more when he promises her cousin he’ll look after her as they hunt for her missing twin. Only a killer might not be all the couple has to contend with as his persistent ex circles closer.

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

  • 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!

A Little Horror For The Holidays – Zombie Santa Claus by Astrid Addams #AstridAddams

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How about a little horror for Christmas?

Zombie Santa Claus

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I don’t buy many books, but when I saw Zombie Santa Claus and the good cause the proceeds from the sale of this short story was for, I had to have it.

I love the great cover for Zombie Santa Claus by Astrid Addams. This short story is horrorlicious and could be taken as a warning. Have all you parents been good this year?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Zombie Santa Claus: Axe Murderer Edition

It was Christmas Eve and the twins wanted to go and see Santa Claus. Mother wasn’t sure, but they’d been so good lately hadn’t they? After all, what was the worst that could happen?

Have you been naughty or nice?
Be warned because the naughty will be punished and only the weak scream.

Have you said something you shouldn’t have?
Be warned because Snitches get Gifted!

All author proceeds are being donated to Bacchus Residents Rescue.

MY ASTRID ADDAMS 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’s 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!

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