Does a beast have feelings ~ Dragons Don’t Cry by D’Elen McClain

Posted on May 10, 2015 by fundinmental

The Fire Chronicles is an awesome paranormal romance series about dragons by D’Elen McClain.

I feel so fortunate to be able to review not one, but the first two stories about these amazing dragons and the humans who love them.

Dragon’s Don’t Cry is the first of the series and I hope you come back tomorrow, or bookmark this page, and check out Book II, Dragons Don’t Love. There will be a giveaway also.

Add to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

I recommend Dragons Don’t Love by D’Elen McClain to anyone who loves fantasy and enjoys some adult situations. The sex scenes are often humorous and I would not label this as erotica.

I love dragons, so when I saw this cover and an opportunity to read Dragons Don’t Love, the story of Bastian and Acasia, I jumped at it.

Hera cursed the dragons after wiping out all but four males. Each will have their chance to find their soul mate, once very hundred years. Her daughter, my sister, was dead because of Drakon, a dragon, but Angelos thought it was wrong punish them all and would do what she could to watch over them.

The claiming brides, women between he ages of seventeen and twenty one, appeared for the dragon to make his choice.

Acasia is now on of them.

When the dragon came, Acasia marveled at its strength and beauty, was drawn to it, thinking, it’s mine.

Acasia is a nerd. Instead of dreaming of a man, like the other girls her age, she is fascinated with mathematical facts and figures. I loved the scene where Bastian is playing cards and learns of just one of Acasia’s many talents. She is not a lovey dovey person and I can relate to that. Acasia’s fiery personality and verbal assaults had me in stitches. I loved her playful manner with man and beast. Me thinks she will rule the dragon before all is said and done.

My heart went out to Bastion. As a dragon, he is immortal. He claims his bride and each dies, leaving him alone again. Bastion vowed not to let another break his heart. Dragons Don’t Cry and he wouldn’t, but Acasia is different from the others. Would she win his heart?

The vivid description of the dragon had me marvel at his beauty and her puking episode almost made me upchuck. I laughed at his sexual discomfort as a dragon and a man.

I laughed out loud, when she wouldn’t beg for her life, but told him, “Eat me.”

I loved when she punched him in his bossy dragon nose.

Predictable, but that’s okay. I am very curious to see where it goes and am loving reading the story to find out. Dragons Don’t Cry is written with humor and makes me smile.

From sad to happy, savage to sweet, a fun and lovely fantasy romance. I loved learning about Bastian and love through the innocent child-like eyes of Acasia and watching them both grow and change, as the characters developed more fully.

All of a sudden a vampire appears…and other shapeshifters. Very interesting.

Awesome. A fantastically original story of dragons that leaves me breathless waiting for Dragons Don’t love, Laryn’s Story.

I received this ARC for review in return for an honest review.

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

One pint sized human female who’s had too much to drink, not enough sleep, and absolutely no patience meets one stubborn dragon shifter with an attitude.

Bastian claims Acasia, his unwilling bride, after she spends the night carousing with friends. She’s not happy, he’s pissed off, and with a curse from a goddess thrown in, you’ll see Bastian breathe fire.

Add secrets, treasure, and unimaginable heartbreak for an emotionally humorous read and discover why Dragons Don’t Cry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-Selling Author D’Elen McClain is a retired sex crimes and homicide detective who managed to retain her sense of humor. She writes under three pen names dreaming about stories from life on the street as a beat cop in an unflattering blue uniform to paranormal and spicy romance.

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Holly S. Roberts, is her new adult and erotic writing pen name and Suzie Ivy is her tough crime fighting alter ego pen name.

Her two dogs, Dizzy, a Rottweiler with anxiety issues, and Duchess, her overweight Chihuahua, sleep and play under her feet while she writes at her home high in the Arizona mountains. She also keeps her pen in blue ink as a contributing writer for UniformStories.com, Below The Salt News, and Bad Luck Detective blog.

Author (Contact Links)

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

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Giveaway & Review ~ Victim Souls by Andrew Terech

Posted on March 25, 2015 by fundinmental

VictimSoulsTourBanner Welcome to my tour stop for Victim Souls by Andrew Terech. When I saw the cover, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to review and share.

Check out this awesome cover by Brianna Strawn and be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post.

Add me to Goodreads now!

Victim Souls by Andrew Terech
Publication date: November 8th 2014
Genres: Horror, Young Adult

MY REVIEW

I love everything about the cover. It says so much in its simplicity, loaded full of what is to come.

A trio, a road trip and the devil nipping at their heels.

Their parents died in a car crash and there was no one left to raise them but a worthless uncle. Is Sam good? Is Johnny bad? Could one or both of them have been saved if given half a chance?

As kids, they had a good time sitting outside the store, watching people come and go. I wanted to mention this, because it reminds me of a time in Mobile, Alabama and a certain convenience store. I used to run in for things like milk and bread and there was always people of one age and type or another hanging around. By tagging my inner me, a book draws me in further and makes me immediately relate to the story.

Sam was ten when Johnny made his first kill, he had to do it to save Sam.

…foot to nuts mistake…hit in the twig and berries. I laughed out loud!!!

When Ash enters the picture, Sam becomes very suspicious. Secrets were being kept and he had no idea the impact they would have on their lives. As they set off on their adventure, evil forces surrounding them have an agenda of their own.

To put it bluntly, this is a fucked up story about three fucked up kids on a spree that I’m hoping will take them down and soon. At times, I have a small amount of empathy for Sam, but I’m still hoping he gets his. At other times, I find myself torn between wanting them all to die or wanting them all to get out of the evil mess they are in.

It is great writing when I want to root for the most heinous, despicable trio there is or so I thought. Is anybody who they really seem to be? If not who or what are they? If you aren’t all bad are you good?

The supernatural genre can be so off the wall, yet I knew the answers were coming and I let the story come to me instead of trying to make it fit into a preconceived notion.

Horror that goes on and on. What keeps someone from giving up? How much can someone take before they surrender? Possession. Undead. Its so hard to describe the rabbit hole Same goes down. I find it hard to believe he can survive. Manipulation. Hallucinations. Creatures that morph into even uglier creatures.

I had this as a B movie running through my head, yelling kill it again, kill it again, they never stay dead. LOL Cut their heads off and burn them to ashes, disperse the ashes into the wind.

Victim Souls by Andrew Terech was a horror story that had me anticipating what was coming next and wondering when it was going to end. I don’t know what else could happen to them and any of them survive. I don’t think there will be a happy every after for the trio, but I am eager to find out what their end will be. A great read that will have you looking over your shoulder and squinting into corners, wondering… is that movement in the shadows?

I received a copy of Victim Souls in return for an honest review.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Sometimes, only bad guys can beat the Devil…

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The plan is simple: get the money and deliver the car. What could possibly go wrong? What can’t?Things start to go south when Sam Drake realizes that his brother Johnny is hiding something, a secret about Sam’s troubled childhood that goes beyond his most feverish nightmares…Then Johnny’s girlfriend, Ash, starts sending Sam the kind of mixed signals that can only lead to big trouble…As the trio of small time crooks falls deeper into an abyss of betrayal and violence, they will discover that the greatest danger they face is not of this world.With everything he believes about himself and the world around him shattered, Sam will become the unlikely champion in a battle with true evil, a fight to save a soul that has already been forfeited to darkness.

His own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew’s a horror fiction writer who is also a massive fan of the genre. He’s been writing short stories and working on his novel for over 5 years. He has several short stories published, as well as some editing credits. He moderates a writing workshop in Phoenix, AZ where he’s been exposed to many different forms of fiction, which have broadened his influences. He aims to write stories that creep out his readers, while offering well-developed, rich characters they can sink their teeth into. He’s also a fan of experimenting with form and structure to create something uniquely my own.Andrew grew up on Long Island in New York, and has lived in Arizona for the past 7 years. His professional background is in psychology where he’s carved out a nice career for himself. However, writing has always been his passion.Currently, he’s hard at work, developing additional content to publish. He hopes to find an audience that loves the genre, and is up for a good scare.

Author links: Website / Facebook / Twitter

Follow the tour by clicking on the banner below:

GIVEAWAY

Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

5 signed copies of the Special Edition of Victim Souls that contains the short story that inspired the novel.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Ends April 9th.

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Two DARK Reviews in honor of the release of Dark Secrets by Madeline Pryce

Posted on July 21, 2014 by fundinmental

I have read the first book in the Dark Series by Madeline Pryce, Dark Carvings and loved it, so when I was given the opportunity to read, review and participate in the tour for Dark Secrets, I jumped on it. Madeline’s writing makes these novels outstanding paranormal romances that will linger long after the reading is done.

Dark Secrets (Dark #2)

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

ISBN: 9781419991370

Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Theme: Vampire/Demon (a few shape shifters thrown in there…)

Length: 85,000 words

MY REVIEW

Spoiler alert: Dark Secrets, Book II in the Dark Series, Ella’s story continues.

Dark Secrets is a fast paced, action packed paranormal romance novel.

Ella had worked for The Shadow Agency as a vampire hunter. She had killed without thought.

Vampires and demons – bad. Humans – good.

Since her death by Lizbeth and her full change from human to vampire, her black and white world has gone gray. Her ability to tell the difference between them was growing dimmer. Now I was the enemy and on trial for my life.

I am the Vampire Queen, since I had killed Lizbeth, the Vampire Queen before me. I inherited all she owned. I now rule vampires and werewolves. The prophecy foretold that the vampire queen and demon son would wreak havoc and destruction and so far Micah and I had fulfilled it. We knew what they were really talking about is the child we were supposed to produce.

Ella and Micah had husband and wife difficulties, just like us mortals. She questioned – does he still want me, does he still love me? Vampires and demons are insecure too.

Madeline’s articulate descriptions of the characters allow me to see them in my mind, as if they are standing before me. Her ability to describe the surroundings and action run through my mind as if they are a scene in a movie.

I was pissed when Madeline made Ella a wuss. How can you take a badass hunter/killer and turn her into an insecure, doubting crybaby?

“…your emotions are all over the place, like you swallowed crazy pills or some shit. You aren’t my Ella. My Ella fights, kicks, punches and screams. She doesn’t cry….”

Pretty much covers my question. I guess if I went from a human, with my job hunting and killing vampires, to becoming a vampire queen with superpowers, I might be afraid and confused. Afraid of what I might do. Afraid I couldn’t control myself and my powers. Now she is forced to make a decision. She must act like a queen or step aside.

When Julian made his move – OMG I was blown away. It can’t be. So not what I anticipated. I am in a hurry to find out Micah’s reaction.

Madeline’s writing has me engrossed from page one. The action begins and never ends. My emotions run from happy and laughing to devastated and stunned. Just when I think I know what is coming, she throws a curve ball that makes me shake my head and say, “Well done, Madeline. You got me there.” I love when an author can add that extra something that leaves a lasting impression on me.

I received a Dark Secrets by Madeline Pryce ebook in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Holy fucking shit. Karma – the bitch – had cashed in my meal ticket and tried to send me to hell.

“If this is about leaving the toilet seat up, I’ll stop bitching about it.” “The toilet seat? What? Jesus fucking Christ . I just threw a fireball at you and you’re talking about the crapper?”

Madeline manages to weave some humor in with the dark and violent.

5 Stars – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

BLURB

The worst moment of Micah’s life was when Ella nearly died in his arms. Her miraculous recovery should have been the start of their future. Unfortunately, a new demonic heritage, the Shadow Agency’s corruption and Julian, the vampire who turned Ella, are testing their relationship. Despite hotter-than-ever sex and a variety of new places and positions to explore, Micah begins to wonder if a relationship based on lust can survive for more than a few scorching-hot months.

Ella has forgiven, but not forgotten, the fact that Micah once plunged a dagger through her heart. Everything with Micah is passion, excitement and an uncontrollable desire to explore his body in a variety of very satisfying ways. But as buried secrets, ongoing lies and murderous deceptions pile up, Ella is reminded that she and Micah’s relationship was based on a curse. In order to forge a future together, Ella and Micah will have to face down their personal demons—and prove that love and trust are more than just words.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy Links

Amazon US / Amazon Ca / Amazon UK / Amazon AU / BN (Nookie!) / Kobo

Series Reading Order

Dark Cravings (#1 Ella/Micah – 85k)

Dark Innocence (#1.5 Hannah – 45k)

Dark Secrets (#2 Ella/Micah – 85k)

Dark Vengeance (#2.5 Castro – 45k) – release date coming soon!

Dark Promises (#3 Ella/Micah) – Spring 2015

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DARK CRAVINGS, Book I by Madeline Price

My 5 Star Review

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DARK INNOCENCE, Book 1.5 by Madeline Pryce

MY REVIEW

Cover design: Willo

Cover photography: Andrei Vishnyakov/fotolia.com, Artem Efimov/shutterstock.com

Book 1.5 of the Dark Series. Erotic, recommended for adults only.

While reading book I, I became very fond of Hannah. She is such a good person. I am so happy that Madeline felt the same way I did. Hannah’s story needed to be told. I knew it would be full of life – good, bad, tragic and blissful.

Madeline Pryce’s writing, I am sure, will be heating up the pages if not burning the book, or should I say melting my Kindle. I might need to have a fire extinguisher nearby. LOL

Hi Hannah. I am pleased to meet you. I have been waiting, ever so patiently, to read your story.

Hannah is a goodie two shoes and has an eidetic memory. Since being kidnapped and tortured by the vampire queen, Lizbeth, she is full of self disgust. She plays leap frog, jumping from guy to guy, popping pills and drinking booze, anything to escape the memories.

Dante, a shapeshifting six hundred pound lion, had rescued her six weeks ago. He was an Adonis and fifteen years older than her. He is tall and powerful. When he walks into a room, he gives off such intense vibes they demand your attention. The age difference kept them apart, but she could not deny her attraction. He is the only one who could make her feel safe. For now, she will have to settle for being best friends.

Dante is a man I can love. A man who will hold your hair out of the way while puking, after fucking someone else, well, what more can I say?

Hannah had been rescued, but there was still someone left, someone who meant her great harm, Mr. Restricted, her stalker. Who is he? Maybe what is he would be more appropriate.

OMG The car. Who’s that knocking on the window? TERROR Hannah tried to make herself small, curling tightly into the seat. Her eyes dart back and forth, frantically looking around, desperate for help. She flashes back to the pain and torture that haunts her since the kidnapping. She is shaking, calling out to Ella, her sister, for help. Where Hannah is sunshine and flowers, Ella is darkness and death.

“I didn’t mean to hit you so hard.”
“I should’ve been able to block you. I didn’t expect you to get all she-woman on my ass and kick my butt.”

“I broke it?”

The dialogue is quick and witty. At times I felt a chuckle or outright laugh escape as I read along.

“Ella, please tell me that we don’t look that pathetic,” Micah said in self disgust.

“…you’ve already broken the man’s nose – the date can only go uphill from there.”

When Dante said, “This is the worst first date I’ve every had,” I laughed right along with him.

I knew Hannah’s story would be a good one. I love badass Ella, but I knew Hannah had a life changing story. I wanted to see her grow and develop into the strong woman I knew she would become. Madeline Pryce’s writing can be down right gross and disgusting, but it keeps me on my toes. It went from killing and savagery to light and whimsical with witty dialogue and funny moments that kept me engrossed. The novel is smoking hot, but there is so much more going on than just sex. Madeline’s superb writing and storytelling ability always leave me Craving more.

“Oh man, oh man,” I say as I rub my hands together with a wicked grin on my face. Now it’s time to find out what Ella is up to.

I received a Dark Innocence by Madline Pryce ebook in return for an honest and unbiased review.

5 Stars – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

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ABOUT MADELINE PRYCE

Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.

Author Links

Blog / Facebook Page / Facebook (I welcome friends!) / Facebook Fan Group / Twitter

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Click on the cover below to pick up your Amazon copy now.

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Friday 56 #16 – Horror and Romance – Dark Innocence by Madeline Pryce

Posted on July 11, 2014 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find any sentence, or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

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DARK INNOCENCE by Madeline Pryce

A little horror with some romance thrown in, but be sure and have a cool drink beside you. You will need it after reading this steamy supernatural novella.

I have read and reviewed the first book – Dark Cravings.

My 5 Star Review for Dark Cravings

I am now reading Dark Innocence, then Dark Secrets for review, so stay tuned.

Be sure and check out the Release Day Blitz for Dark Secrets here.

(56% on Kindle)

“Just because I grew up in the life, doesn’t mean I was immersed in it. After my parents, first my mom then a few years later my dad, were murdered, my uncle and sister went to great lengths to shelter me. You have no idea how annoying it is to walk into a room and have everyone stop talking. They pretty much just silently strte at me until I turn around and leave. I’m twenty and they still do it.”

He cupped my cheek. “They just want to protect you, darlin’. There’s something about you, something innocent and fresh that brings out the protective instincts. I took one look at you, covered in blood and crying, and knew I was a goner.”

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What are you reading?

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SYNOPSIS

Book 1.5 in the Dark series…

Hannah Grey will do anything to escape the tortured memories haunting her. Every breath brings back the pain, the fear and the unbearable knowledge that she’ll never be the once-perfect girl everyone thought her to be. When the self-destructive fog of drugs, alcohol and meaningless sex starts to clear, Dante, a lion shifter sexier than sin itself, emerges through the darkness ready to rescue her for the second time in so many weeks.

In the safety of Dante’s embrace, Hannah allows herself to become the woman she’s always wanted to be–smart, sexy, capable and empowered. His every touch electrifies. His hot, hungry kisses set her senses ablaze. As Dante masters her body, Hannah finally finds the strength to master her fears.

Perfection shatters as threats from a mysterious vampire escalate from anonymous phone calls to violent encounters. When Hannah’s enemies unite, placing both her and Dante in mortal peril, she’s going to need her newfound strength to face the coming darkness and save the man she loves.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Reading order

Dark Cravings (#1 Ella/Micah)

Dark Innocence (#1.5 Hannah/Dante)

Dark Secrets (#2 Ella/Micah)

******A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave******

Get your copy of a Madeline Pryce novel by clicking on the cover below.

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To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Can She Save Them All – Cover Reveal for The Shadow Aspect by Melanie Karsak

Posted on July 10, 2014 by fundinmental

The Shadow Aspect by Melanie Karsak

Publication date: Summer/Fall 2014.

Genres: Dark Fantasy, Young Adult, Zombies

Cover designed by designed by Princess of Shadows

.CC

Synopsis

When Layla took the final step through the labyrinth, she knew she was saving the ones she loved. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

The unwitting victims of a grudge seething for eons, Layla and the other survivors now find themselves in a war for our world. With vampires lurking and shapeshifters plotting vengeance, Layla must learn who to trust if humanity has any hope of survival: the carnie girl? The quiet doctor? The tarot reader? The stranger with alluring gold eyes? Or the man she loves? And then there are the voices. What does it forewarn if the dead can speak?

When the world burns, mankind’s shadow side rises. Do we deserve to survive?

AUTHOR BIO

Melanie Karsak grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania and earned a Master’s degree in English from Gannon University. A steampunk connoisseur, white elephant collector, and zombie whisperer, the author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children. She is an Instructor of English at Eastern Florida State College.

Author links: Facebook / Blog

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Read my 5 Star Review for The Harvesting, Book I.

GIVEAWAY

The author is hosting a giveaway for The Harvesting, Book 1, signed, to celebrate the reveal.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Mini Review – Twilight Hunter by Kait Ballenger

Posted on June 11, 2014 by fundinmental

Jace is a Hunter of the paranormal kind, but when he runs into Frankie his life is changed forever. Isn’t that how it usually goes? She is Alpha to the Rochester Pack, so the last thing he needs to do is get involved with a were. I lived in Rochester for ten years, so I was very familiar with the territory, but I never did run into a were or a hunter. Drat, I wouldn’t have minded running into Jace myself. He’s a good guy that gets a bad rap and a great example for the all males. I love books about serial killers and this had twists and turns that kept me turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. Romance, lust, murder, jealousy and so much more abound in this novel of the paranormal.

I am looking forward to reading more about The Execution Underground. Rated for adults.

I won this signed first edition paperback on Dark Faerie Tales.

To get your copy of Twilight Hunter or learn more about Kait Ballenger, click on the cover above.

4 Stars – Would Highly Recommend to Others

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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?

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Cougar Shifters – Cover Reveal – Andromeda’s Fall by Abigail Owen

Posted on February 18, 2014 by fundinmental

Cougar shifters. How cool is that? I don’t think I’ve read a book like this and I am curious to know what or if there are differences between cougars and weres. What do you think?

Andromeda’s Fall

by Abigail Owen

Mae I Design Publication

Date: February 25, 2014Series: Shadowcat Nation, Book OneGenre: Adult Paranormal Romance (18+)

Andie Reynolds is being hunted. After witnessing her mother’s violent death at the hands of a pack of wolf shifters, Andie has devoted her life to protecting her community of cougar shifters from a similar fate. But now, a greater threat lies within her own dare, and she must run. If she stays, Kyle Carstairs will try to force their Mating, seeking the added power their union would provide.

Andie would rather chew off her own foot than end up with Kyle. Though, knowing him, she won’t live long either way. Andie’s only hope of survival is to Mate the Alpha of the Keller Dare with which she is seeking asylum. But before she can get to him, Andie must first go through A.J., one of the Alpha’s Protectors. The incredibly frustrating shifter insists on challenging her story, her skills, her trust… and her heart.

Andie is running out of options and out of time. But risking the life of someone she loves – just to save herself – goes against every instinct she has.

EXCERPT

Andie crouched low, obscured from view in the underbrush, and watched the compound with a quiet patience born of experience. If her calculations were correct, the next patrol of guards would pass by within the minute. Her posture and expression didn’t shift an inch when, moments later, she was proven correct. As soon as the patrol passed out of sight, Andie moved, swift and silent as a shadow. She sprinted across the well-cut lawn, ignoring the pain radiating throughout her body, and was up and over the wall, using her momentum and the corners formed by a turn in the wall surrounding the installation. She dropped to the ground on the other side with a barely audible thud.

Andie found herself on the back side of a well-manicured garden. She stayed completely still, crouched low to the ground once more, and took her time observing her location. Ahead, about the length of a football field, she could see light from the main building in the complex. The glow spilled from a pair of glass doors and across the trees and plants, creating patches of dark and light.

A plan in mind, Andie moved again, using the pools of darkness and groupings of plants for cover. She didn’t go for the doors. They were too obvious and were likely wired for the alarm system and required some kind of code to get in and out. But on the second floor, one of the windows was wide open, allowing the cool nighttime breeze in. With agile grace, Andie swung herself up into the branches of a large tree. She took care to only use her right arm, which slowed her down a bit. As quickly as she could without rustling the leaves, she made her way up to the branch closest to that open window. And she stopped again. And observed.

Andie didn’t move for close to thirty minutes as she watched. And then, without any warning, she leapt, putting all the power of her feline form into the action. She didn’t shift exactly – she was trying to avoid that right now since it would be seen as a direct threat – but she used the might of the beast inside her to clear the distance to the window. She sailed through the opening and immediately tucked and rolled as she hit the ground. She found her feet and returned to her crouch.

Using her cat’s hearing, she waited. Someone might have heard the sound of her landing. Her injured left arm was messing with her usual finesse. At the same time as she listened, she also turned in a slow circle, checking that room she was in was empty. Many minutes later, satisfied that she was alone and that no one was coming for her… yet… Andie moved to the door of the room she currently occupied. Cracking it open a hair, she looked down the hallway.

She tensed to open the door all the way and then froze in place when a deep, male voice sounded from directly behind her, “Stop where you are.”

Dammit, Andie thought. How the hell did he find me?

About the Author

Award-winning author, Abigail Owen was born in Greeley, Colorado and raised in Austin, Texas. She now resides in Northern California with her husband and two adorable children who are the center of her universe.

Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. A fourth generation graduate of Texas A&M University, she attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by obtaining a degree in English Rhetoric/Technical Writing. However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos GIVEAWAY

$20 Amazon Gift Card

ebook of Here Kitty Kitty

2 (two) International winners

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Ends February 25, 2014

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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 below or on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Friday 56 #6 Birthmarked by Maria Violante

Posted on February 14, 2014 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find any sentence, or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

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Birthmarked (The Markers, Book I) by Maria Violante

A (birthmarked) truck driving woman and the monsters she is destined to fight.

“You don’t even know who you are, do you?”

“That’s it. Get out of here, now!”

My head was spinning. How had the mood shifted so abruptly?

“Now!”

“But-“

He flailed again and jabbed at me once with the sword. Seeing the point headed right for me, I scurried out……………..

(56% on Kindle)

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BLURB

Charlie Kale knows life isn’t easy. But for the first time, this truck driver might have finally found her little piece of happiness. She’s got it all—her big rig, friends, a great mentor, and a man about to join her on the road.

That is, until the good things in Charlie’s life all fall apart, and she finds herself at the mercy of a sexy but mysterious gunman who claims to be a member of a secret order dedicated to fighting the supernatural monsters that filter over into our world.

She’s given a choice—join up or die, and while the gunman might be insane, Charlie’s hell-bent on not dying.

Too bad it looks like that might not be an option.

(56% on Kindle)

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To get your copy of Birthmarked, or learn more about Maria Violante, click on the cover below.

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Review for Cursed by S J Harper

Posted on October 31, 2013 by fundinmental

Cursed

Book One in the Fallen Siren Series

Release Date October 1, 2013

Meet FBI Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.

She’s cursed. He’s damned. Together, they make one hell of a team. Emma Monroe is a Siren, cursed by the gods and bound to earth to atone for an ancient failure. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now that she works missing persons cases for the FBI, it could be just a rescue away. Unless her new partner leads her astray.

Special Agent Zack Armstrong just transferred into the San Diego Field Office. He’s a werewolf, doing his best to beat back the demons from his dark and dangerous past. As a former Black Ops sniper, he’s taken enough lives. Now he’s doing penance by saving them.

Emma and Zack’s very first case draws them deep into the realm of the paranormal and forces them to use their own supernatural abilities. But that leaves each of them vulnerable, and there are lines partners should not cross. As secrets are revealed and more women go missing, one thing becomes clear: as they race to save the victims, Emma and Zack risk losing themselves.

BUY LINKS

Amazon ; / Barnes & Noble

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My Review

Emma and Zack are both seeking a form of redemption for their past.

Emma is a siren, a seductress, cursed for a past failure. She uses the power of glamour to hide her true self from others. She can compel people to tell the truth. She uses her magic like a profiler uses his intuition and S J Harper’s writing makes it so believable. Emma specializes in finding missing persons.

Zack is a werewolf and a Special Agent trying to make up for the lives he took in his former life.

When they team up, their skills reach a higher level.

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By the second page I was laughing and loving the writing style.

“….good romp with a guy just because he goes furry a few days every month.”

Cursed runs the gamut of magical creatures in the supernatural world – werewolves, vampires, Gods, devils, demons, shapeshifters…..

Cursed is a story, where the supernatural and reality exist side by side. The writing is so believable that I got lost as I teamed up with Emma and Zack to find out what was happening to the missing women.

I love a good mystery. Toss in some romance to round out the story and I am hooked.

The details of how they go about collecting information is just like watching the crime shows – Criminal Minds, CSI and NCIS – checking phone records, emails, even Facebook. Patience is a key necessity for an investigator and it pays well to have an extra little something for interrogation, like magic.

I loved the blend of reality and supernatural.

The characters are easy to relate to. We all have personal problems and Emma and Zack are no exceptions, theirs just had an extra supernatural element. There are hate crimes and politics. They read like current events.

“…what kind of bad guy would break into someone’s house to fix breakfast?”

“Wait. I know this one….a cereal killer?”

“What are you? Agents of the FBI’s X-files Bureau?”

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I was given a first edition paperback for a review for the tour. I am looking forward to reading more books in the Fallen Siren Series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.J. Harper is the pen name for the writing team of Samantha Sommersby and Jeanne C. Stein, two friends who met at Comic-Con in San Diego and quickly bonded over a mutual love of good wine, edgy urban fantasy, and everything Joss Whedon.

Samantha Sommersby left what she used to call her “real life” day job in the psychiatric field to pursue writing full-time in 2007. She is the author of more than ten novels and novellas including the critically acclaimed Forbidden series. She currently lives with her husband and cocker spaniel, Buck, in a century old Southern California Craftsman. Sam happily spends her days immersed in a world where vampires, werewolves, and demons are real, myths and legends are revered, magic is possible, and love still conquers all.

Jeanne Stein is the national bestselling author of The Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. She also has numerous short story credits, including most recently the novella, Blood Debt, from the New York Times bestselling anthology, Hexed. Her series has been picked up in three foreign countries and her short stories published in collections here in the US and the UK. She lives in Denver, CO where she finds gardening a challenge more daunting than navigating the world of mythical creatures.

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AUTHOR LINKS

S.J. Harper

Website ; / Goodreads ; / Facebook

Samantha Sommersby

Facebook ; / Twitter

Jeanne Stein

Facebook ; / Twitter

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To learn more about S J Harper, or pick up your copy of Cursed, click on the cover below.

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Giveaway and Review – One thought she was a treasure, One thought she was an abomination.

Posted on October 19, 2012 by fundinmental

The Awakening by Mary Abshire

My first thought when the cute man woke me was good, I have my clothes on. But where am I? When he asked my name, I couldn’t remember.

Boss suggested I go with them to talk, my instinct said I could trust them. We walked through the dead bodies – burned, torn limb from limb, missing heads. Boss told Jonas to burn them all. But what about notifying their families of their death? He told me they already knew, but I didn’t understand what he meant. When Jonas asked when I had last fed, I looked at him in surprise.

“You’re not going to stand there and tell me you don’t know you’re a vampire,” he said.

We were in Indianapolis. As we drove around, I felt a familiarity with my surroundings but couldn’t remember anything specific. I was in the back seat of the car and could hear them talking, but their lips weren’t moving. I could hear their thoughts. When I said I couldn’t kill people, Jonas laughed. I could hear Jonas asking Boss what would happen if I couldn’t remember.

All of a sudden I felt a sharp pain rip through my skill and my ears rang. Boss was doing it, trying to read my mind. He found nothing there, no memories. The pain lessened as he backed off, finally believing me. There should be something there, some memory he could find, even if I couldn’t, but there wasn’t. It was possible for a vampire to erase some memory, but not all. Demons can alter memories and reality, but not wipe out memories.

Boss admitted to being a vampire. I asked about Jonas, but Boss cut him off before he could answer. He held my hand to his chest, no heartbeat. But I had one. He told me I was a half-breed. So I was only half dead. That was why I needed warm blood and human food. Boss could think of no one, or no reason for someone to wipe my memories. Whoever did do it, couldn’t be human. As Jonas and Boss talked, they mentioned other breeds, werewolves, demons, fae, shifters, warlocks…..

When I held my stomach while it was cramping, I felt a bulge in my skirt. I reached in my pocket and found two pieces of paper. Before I could see what they were, Boss grabbed them out of my hand. They were my clues. As we fought over them, they blew out the window. We chased them in the wind and finally caught them. One was a receipt to a bookstore. Still no memory.

The other paper was a pawn shop receipt. But if I hocked something, where was the money and what did I pawn? Boss kept my papers. He also found my knife when we got back in the car. It had fallen out of my boot. The handle was made from gold and had two initials, S and B, and was poisoned. Boss told me, if it belonged to me, the poison wouldn’t affect me.

Boss and Jonas worked for the Worldwide Organization of Peace and Protection. His job was to monitor the clans and make sure no one species dominated. We agreed to work together to find out who I was and who killed all those people, those creatures. I knew I wasn’t a killer. I didn’t drink blood and I didn’t have fangs. We figured someone had been looking for me and would do whatever they had to do to get me back. How did they lose me?

We went to the pawn shop, but it seemed to present more questions than answers. I had pawned a demon watch. It tells time in Hell and on earth. It could open a portal between the two worlds.

When the question came up, was I part vampire and part demon, Boss said that it was not possible. He said Tabby may be able to help. She was a Shape-shifter and was living with him and Jonas.

It was decided I needed to test my skills and Tabby would be the perfect sparring partner. When I shifted to mist, I had the not so bright idea to tease Boss. He not only attacked me, he called me an abomination and told me to get out. He thought I was a freak, thought me dangerous. Jonas saw me as a treasure, one of a kind. If Boss made me go, Tabby and Jonas said they would go with me.

Tabby suggested we go shopping and do girl things. We were having a good time, until I noticed the same guy appeared wherever we went. Tabby couldn’t see him, so I told Jonas about him over the phone. He wanted us home, now. Tabby went off to finish the shopping and I waited near the entrance.

Benny chose that moment to introduce himself. He knew I was a half-breed. He was an angel. He told me I needed to remember soon, Tabby’s life was in danger. Now I was human, vampire, demon and angel.

We went to the book store listed on the receipt. While there I had a flash of memory. I had been writing in a journal and there was a strong smell of coffee. Boss picked another memory. I had been writing in a journal and was going to mail it. That was four days ago. It should have arrived. What would the journal contain? Would it help answer all our questions?

While we were surfing the internet, a hacker began hunting for our IP address. Boss had us grabbing computers and weapons. Tabby was throwing bags of clothes and stacks of cash. Boss and I jumped in the SUV, Jonas and Tabby followed behind us. Gargumen were hunting us, so we split up, agreeing to meet up later.

What was up with Senator Galuzzi, presidential candidate, and Allison? Why did our internet search of them trigger such a hunt? On top of all that, Benny had told me I needed to remember, that Tabby was in danger and I could save her. From what?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

It caught my interest from the beginning. Amnesia. But as the story progressed, I found myself reading faster and faster. The book was full of mystery and suspense.

The plot was going in several directions, but they do come together.

At times I forgot the characters weren’t human. I fell in love with Jonas and Tabby was wonderful. They didn’t even know Stephanie, but would leave everything to protect her, to help her.

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Stephanie wanted to know all the answers. She felt human and had no desire to do anyone any harm, until they threatened her new-found friends. She would do whatever it took to protect them all, even Boss.

Stephanie couldn’t always understand why Boss could be so cold and demanding. Guess she kept forgetting that he was a vampire. Isn’t that how they are? Yet, he took care of and protected Jonas and Tabby.

Then, boom it was over. I read the last page. Oh no, now what? I didn’t want it to end. I am really curious to see where this story will go. Book II: Quest came out October 8, 2012.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Outside of my government job, I write Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. Dark and dangerous creatures are my friends. I create worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. I even create new ones. How do I do this? I have a twisted mind and it gets better with wine.

Care to join me in my fantastical worlds? I’ll introduce you to my friends, and if they bite or corrupt your mind… it’s not my fault.

You can find more information about me and my books on the links below:

Website

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Facebook

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Twitter

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Blog

Goodreads

Giveaway – Mary has offered 1 ebook for the giveaway. It is International and easy to enter, as always. Just answer the question – If you were a supernatural being, what would it be and why? – and leave your email. Ends November 5, 2012. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. The winner is – bev – I would like to thank everyone that stopped by to comment and enter.

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It is always appreciated if you follow me on my blog and Twitter, not required.

Book II: Quest came out October 8, 2012. To order any of Mary’s books, simply click on the cover below.

To order one of the books, simply click the cover.