Laurisa White Reyes's Blog, page 15

$20 GIVEAWAY - THE HIDDEN CITIES by Christopher Golden & Tim Lebbon

Mind the GapThe Hidden Cities Book 1by Christopher Golden & Tim LebbonGenre: Dark Urban Fantasy Thriller
"The super-fast pacing and creepy touches give this teen adventure plenty of character."—Publishers Weekly

Returning to her home in London, teen Jasmine Towne realizes just how long she’s been training for the moment she would be on her own. Her paranoid mother’s last words, scrawled in her own blood, demand her action: JAZZ HIDE FOREVER. In this moment, the strange men who have always hung around her family’s life—whom her mother called the Uncles—become starkly sinister. And they’re on her trail.
Seeking cover in the Underground, Jazz slips through a mysterious gate, down tunnels, and seemingly through time. Inside an abandoned city of bomb shelters and forgotten Tube stations, she finds temporary refuge with a gang of petty thieves. Flashes of the past, spectral and haunting, share the tunnels…with no regard for the living. For how long can Jazz hide from the terrors of both her worlds?

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The Map of MomentsThe Hidden Cities Book 2
To what lengths would you go to undo the pain of the past? 

"Golden and Lebbon have far outstripped their past efforts with this wonderfully creepy thriller of a ghost story." — Publishers Weekly  starred review
"Golden and Lebbon vividly evoke the rich, enduring character of New Orleans, as well as spinning a compelling fantasy yarn that builds momentum as Max works his way through the city's history." —Booklist
Max Corbett has returned to New Orleans for the funeral of his former girlfriend, Gabrielle Doucette, but between the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina and the devastation of his ruined relationship, the city feels alien.
At Gabrielle's graveside, Max meets Ray. Over a bottle of bourbon in a dive bar, the two discuss Gabrielle's unique connection to the city. Ray suggests that this connection might mean her tragic death is not truly her end. And he happens to know a real magic practitioner—not some Bourbon Street phony—who could open a window to the past and send a warning to Gabrielle. Maybe Max can even deliver the warning in person? Ray offers him a cheap map and says the process is simple. Follow the charted moments to build up a little bit of magical clout and then find the man with the gift. 
Surging with liquid courage, Max takes the ludicrous tourist map and sets off. But it turns out this quest is not so easy. When Max enters the First Moment, he is drawn into the fabric of history to witness dark and violent periods, and with each passing step, a grim conspiracy is revealed. Suddenly in too deep, there is nowhere for Max to go but through. But when you trudge through a swamp, you're going to get muddy.


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The Chamber of TenThe Hidden Cities Book 3

Archaeologist Dr. Geena Hodge is on the precipice of success: her team has found an entrance to an underground chamber while searching for the Petrarch’s lost library. A documentarian is joining her team for the descent into the long-hidden structure and may be the key to extensive funding. Best of all, she is able to share the excitement of this momentous occasion with her assistant-slash-lover, Nico, whose psychic presence resonates in her own mind.

Within a strikingly preserved room—unlike any Venetian excavation—the team finds only one artifact: a small vessel that immediately mesmerizes Nico. While the team investigates a slab of granite inlaid in the floor, Nico becomes transfixed by the object, and before he can be stopped, he has the urn in his hands. Then, it is broken open on the ground. And with that, the impossibly withheld groundwater begins to fill the chamber…
In the clamor to escape the rapidly flooding room and save the found texts, the team is sent in all directions. And Nico’s mind, always attuned to Geena’s, seems to go quiet. His actions in the days after the incident feel unlike him, and his consciousness seems to dissolve beneath the weight of his experience with the artifact. What insidious force was within? And what can satisfy its restless will?


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The Shadow MenThe Hidden Cities Book 4
From Beacon Hill to Southie, historic Boston is a town of vibrant neighborhoods knit into a seamless whole. But as Jim Banks and Trix Newcomb learn in a terrifying instant, it is also a city divided—split into three separate versions of itself by a mad magician once tasked with its protection.

Jim is happily married to Jenny, with whom he has a young daughter, Holly. Trix is Jenny’s best friend, practically a member of the family—although she has secretly been in love with Jenny for years. Then Jenny and Holly inexplicably disappear—and leave behind a Boston in which they never existed. Only Jim and Trix remember them. Only Jim and Trix can bring them back.
With the help of Boston’s Oracle, an elderly woman with magical powers, Jim and Trix travel between the fractured cities, for that is where Jenny and Holly have gone. But more is at stake than one family’s happiness. If Jim and Trix should fail, the spell holding the separate Bostons apart will fail too, and the cities will reintegrate in a cataclysmic implosion. Someone, it seems, wants just that. Someone with deadly shadow men at their disposal.

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CHRISTOPHER GOLDENis the New York Times bestselling author of such novels as Ararat, Snowblind, Tin Men, The Myth Hunters, Wildwood Road, The Boys Are Back in Town, The Ferryman, Strangewood, and Of Saints and Shadows. He has also written books for teens and young adults, including Poison Ink, Soulless, and the thriller series Body of Evidence, honored by the New York Public Library and chosen as one of YALSA's Best Books for Young Readers.
Golden co-created (with Mike Mignola) two cult favorite comic book series, Baltimore and Joe Golem: Occult Detective. As an editor, he has worked on the short story anthologies Seize the Night, The New Dead, and Dark Cities, among others, and has also written and co-written comic books, video games, screenplays, a BBC radio play, the online animated series Ghosts of Albion (with Amber Benson), and a network television pilot. A frequent speaker at conferences, schools, and libraries, Golden is also co-host of the podcasts Three Guys with Beards and Defenders Dialogue, and the founder of the Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival.Golden was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His original novels have been published in more than fourteen languages in countries around the world.

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TIM LEBBONhas been published for over twenty years and have written over forty horror, dark fantasy and tie-in novels, including The Silence, Relics, Coldbrook, The Cabin in the Woods, the Noreela series of fantasy books (Dusk, Dawn, Fallen and The Island), the NY Times Bestselling novelisation of the movie 30 Days of Night, Alien: Out of the Shadows, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi - Into the Void, and several books with Christopher Golden, including Blood of the Four, The Map of Moments and The Secret Journeys of Jack London. He's also written hundreds of novellas and novels and have won several prestigious awards.

The movie of The Silence, starring Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka, is out summer 2018. Pay the Ghost, starring Nicolas Cage, was released in 2016. More of his work is currently in development for the big screen.

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$10 AMAZON GIVEAWAY - PRODIGY by Kristy Centeno

Prodigy Giver of Life Trilogy Book 3by Kristy CentenoGenre: YA Paranormal 
Leah Parker’s fate had always been controlled by others—who she loved and who she lost. Five years after the tragic murder of her daughter’s father, she’s done everything in her power to protect her little girl from the outside world. But she’s rebelled against fate in the past and no act of defiance goes unpunished in the Enchanter community.The ultimate power wants to correct the damage done by Jae and the only way they can do that is by getting rid of her special child—a child destined to replace all branches of Enchanter magic one day.But, Leah isn’t willing to go down without a fight. She will do anything to save what Jae died to protect, even if she must turn against the Circle of Elders. But when her first love, Brandon Morris walks back into her life, Leah knows nothing will ever be the same again.Leah must confront her past, before she and her daughter are erased from her family line. She must get over her guilt and rely on Brandon to ensure her daughter’s survival. But will the pain from their past destroy their friendship forever? Or will their old bond hold them together and carry them through what’s ahead?

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Kristy Centeno loves to spin tales of creatures that go bump in the night, with a sprinkle of romance to top them off. Her passion for writing stems from a lifelong enjoyment of reading and the pleasure derived from the magical worlds created by authors like her. She prefers her female leads strong, independent, and stubborn who will stop at nothing to save their loved ones and protect those they care for.Kristy currently resides in Pennsylvania with her five kids and a trio of noisy parakeets. When she’s not working or writing, she juggles her free time between raising a handful of minions and pursuing other career goals.

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$25 GIVEAWAY - MY BROTHER'S BRIDE by Rachel Anderson

  My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.     I haven't read a book by Rachael Anderson that I didn't absolutely love and this awesome book didn't fail to meet that grade. ~Vicki This forbidden Regency romance was excellent! Once I started, it was hard—almost impossible—to put down. ~Charissa This is the first full-length novel I've read by Rachael Anderson, but it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed the story--the writing was really good with no annoying parts or awkwardness, the plot was interesting, the characters were endearing (I loved the banter between Brigtson and Abby!), and this book was just really good. Highly enjoyable. Great choice for those who like clean, well-written Regency romances. ~AE2 This is a wonderful story for anyone who enjoys a clever and heart-warming historical tale that will leave them with a smile on their face. ~Phyllis         Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.        
 Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/10/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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$15 GIVEAWAY - THE NEW REIGN by M.B. Ruscsak

The New ReignOf Light and Darke Book 1by M.L. RuscsakGenre: Epic Fantasy
Read It before you see It. Coming soon to Cinema!!!
Eighteen years ago, Princess Nisha became an orphan just days after her birth. Her parents and all of those with Fey blood are all gone - consumed by a fire that none had been able to stop. Or at least this is what is told, this is what is spoken aloud. Truth? Perhaps. But these are words Nisha has never trusted, couldn't trust since they have never sounded quite right. Yet, not even her beloved aunt ever believed her when she questioned the events of that night.

No one believed her when she had turned thirteen and she became the queen of the Under Kingdom. They didn't trust her when her powers and natural abilities began to grow to frightening results. That was fine if they didn't want to believe her then - once she was home and crowned Queen of Darke, then she would show them. Once she was Queen then she would find every answer that she had ever wanted.
It wouldn't matter who or what stood in her way, for she would show them why she should be feared. She would show them what was created when her parents were stolen from her.
For she is Nisha and she is the daughter of the darkness.


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The FallenOf Lite and Darke Book 2
Read It before you see It. Coming soon to Cinema!!!
You know what has come to be but do you know where it began?

Before Nisha. Before Adrianna. Before the countries even had names, there were the Star Cities. Ruled each in their own way... all answering to one.
Primitiva was born the second daughter of the royal house of Lunaista. She was born for greatness. Born to be the first as her name suggested. If she stayed on her safe little star she would either die without ever knowing her true potential or be forced into marriage. Neither appealed to her.
A vision told her the truth. Death would come for her if she stayed. Leaving her only child under the cover of darkness she did the unthinkable and dove into the abyss. Somewhere out here was her destiny. Somewhere she would find a way to help her sister survive.
Somehow the child that she saw in her vision would be born. That child would one day rule both Pallas and unify the Star Cities. She just had to make sure the bloodlines for that that birth would come forth- even if it meant turning her back on all that she had ever known.

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Secrets, Lies and BetrayalOf Lite and Darke Book 3
Read It before you see It. Coming soon to Cinema!!
In the world of Lite and Darke reader be warned: not all is as it seems. What is truth and what is lies? That is for you to decide.
In this collection of four short stories travel back in time and find out how Vasilissa became Queen.Find out the truth about how Myrddin came to be betrothed to Adrianna.Think you know why Larna killed her family? Find out if you are right.And see if you can figure out how much Nisha really knew about her parents before becoming the queen of DarkeThese questions and more are answered in this installment of the Lite and Darke Series.

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Born In 1982, a native to Lorain Ohio, Melisa grew up living with her grandparents Frances and James Lasure. She attended Clearview High School as well as Lorain County J.V.S. While in J.V.S she attended the Culinary Arts program graduating in 2001.In 2011 near tragedy struck as Melisa's health began to decline. By summer of 2011 she would need to use a cane to get around. Suffering a stroke, she required a craniotomy where she suffered her second stroke. Leaving her with a partial impairment of her speech, and weakness on her right side.  After surgery, she would need to learn not only to walk again, but speak as well as recognize the alphabet.In 2003 she welcomed the addition of her daughter Chyenne. Who inspired her to start to put her dreams to paper. A story she wrote after her daughter's birth, although not published, became the stepping stone to everything else she would eventually write.A year later she would begin to write "Of Lite and Darke" Dreaming to see this work through to publishing, even if she would need to publish it herself.In 2016, she would see her dream come true. With her daughter as her editor "Of Lite and Darke" was born.



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$25 GIVEAWAY - THE SONGS THAT BROUGHT ME BACK by Mylissa Demeyere

 The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere   Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end. Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves. Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past. Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together. Always together. Sometimes the ending is really the beginning. ETHAN “FILL THESE OUT, PLEASE.” The nurse at the ER admin desk shoved a clipboard holding a stack of insurance forms into my hands. “Once we get your partner stabilized, I’ll go find out about sending you in to see her.” She gave me a curt nod and disappeared behind the desk. What had I been thinking? I hadn’t been thinking. Not much beyond getting my neighbor here in time. I had been living next door to Ainsley for the last six months, ever since the construction on my house was completed. And I had noticed her from day one. Who wouldn’t, with her striking blue eyes, long blonde hair, and a body every man dreams of? But there was more. She had this frailty about her, if you looked close enough. And it drew me in, right from the start. But she never let me get further than a few pleasantries. Still, it didn’t stop me from trying. And I had tried to be her friend. When I found her earlier today… I shuddered as the memory washed over me.I clutched the letter in my hand, secretly happy I had an excuse toring Ainsley’s doorbell. The mailman had messed up and Icouldn’t let the opportunity slide, noting her car in the driveway.Walking up to the door, I rolled my shoulders and took a deepbreath, aiming for cool and suave, not flustered and eager like shehad me feeling each time I caught a glimpse of her.I rang the bell and turned to soak up the bright rays of sun,feeling my stomach knot as the anticipation rose. A few secondspassed, but no one came to open the door.I turned to ring the bell again, sure she was home, when Istopped dead in my tracks, my hand still suspended in the air. Myheart started pounding in my chest as the ground beneath me feltlike it was moving.“Ainsley! Ainsley!” I pounded on the door, her lifeless bodysprawled on the floor in the hallway just visible through thesidelights. My palms felt moist as I fought against the risingpanic.“Ainsley!!” My voice was hoarse as I belted out her name overand over.Instinct took over. I ran to the back door and found itunlocked. I hadn’t ever let myself in, but now wasn’t the time toworry about that.“Ainsley!” I fell on my knees next to her, taking in the fullscene. Her chest was barely moving, her lips a faint shade of blue.An empty pill bottle lay on the floor beside her. I picked it up,already sure of what was going on but needing to confirm it.Time seemed to stand still as I pieced it all together, but the loud,ringing sound in my ears forced me to move and get help.“Ainsley, what have you done?” I cried as I slipped my phoneout of my back pocket and called 911. I hoped I wasn’t too late,that we still had time.“What happened?” One of the paramedics loaded her on agurney while the other got to work checking her vitals. I rehashedall I knew, which wasn’t very much.They loaded her in the ambulance, and after getting the rightinfo about where they were taking her, I sped over to the hospitalin record time.“What’s your relationship to the patient?” The ER clerk typedin Ainsley’s name without making eye contact.“I don’t see how that’s important now,” I growled.“Only the next of kin can see the patient.” She looked up forthe first time and took in my panicked state.“I’m her…boyfriend.” Where did that come from? I didn’t evenknow her that well, but I couldn’t take it back now.“I see.” The woman stared up at me over her wide-rimmedglasses, pausing as she studied me. Did she pick up on myhesitation? Did she detect the lie?“Please take a seat. I’ll have her paperwork ready in justa sec.”I released the breath I held and dropped down in the vinylseat, overcome by the events of the past hour.I’d been waiting for over two hours, and I was frantic. I didn’t do so well in a hospital setting. “Mr. Van Der Beek?” A doctor dressed in light blue scrubs walked into the waiting area. I stood up. “Yes?” My heart beat double time, waiting for him to give me news on Ainsley. “We were able to stabilize your girlfriend.” The word made me wince. The doctor luckily mistook it for the info he was delivering, and his expression softened, his eyes full of sympathy. “Ainsley experienced respiratory depression, and we needed to intubate her to ensure she was getting enough oxygen.” I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and nodded my understanding. “We’ll keep her in the ICU until she gains consciousness.” “But she’s going to be okay?” I pleaded. “We’ll know for sure tomorrow. I think you got to her in time.” He patted me on the shoulder and turned to leave but reconsidered. “Mr. Van Der Beek.” He stared into my eyes. “Yes?” I felt the weight of the day settle on my shoulders. “Your girlfriend is very sick. Even if she makes a full physical recovery, you have a long road ahead of you.” I nodded, my eyes stinging. “Thank you, Doctor.” I sank onto one of the chairs lining the side of the waiting area. If anyone knew how long that road was, it was me.   A heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you’ve ever simply needed a friend, The Songs That Brought Me Back will resonate–and leave you thankful for the people in your life. -Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies. Another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they face their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address; Demeyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer. – Amazon Reviewer A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge. – Amazon Reviewer “This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. A beautiful story about what true love is and does.” – Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and The Ruled Out Romance Series        Author Mylissa Demeyere Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.             Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/10/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

$25 GIVEAWAY - A SNOW GLOBE CHRISTMAS by Hayley Wescott

 A Snow Globe Christmas by Hayley Wescott Kelsey Patrick is homesick for the snow and family Christmas tree from her childhood in Connecticut. The holidays are coming and South Florida weather is lovely, but it's not what she wants for Christmas. She's making the best of it, but she expects her Christmas to be un-snowy and lonely. When she receives a lovely and thoughtful last minute Secret Santa gift from Mrs. Claus, Kelsey's Christmas spirit is revived. When she tries to find the one who gave her the gift under the guise of Mrs. Claus, she makes an assumption that leads her down the wrong path. Brett Taylor is firmly seated in the friend zone and knows Kelsey is making a mistake, but he's in no position to try to change her mind. Just when both Brett and Kelsey are set to spend their holidays working and alone, a chain of events just might change all that. And maybe Mrs. Claus will see her sweet work behind the scenes bring two love birds together at last.   “Oh, you are still going to be able to make it to my supper party after the gift giving, aren’t you?” Kelsey asked. “I mean, it’s nothing special, just a big tray of lasagna and some appetizers and dessert, of course. And being cramped into my tiny apartment will be an adventure. But, it’s Christmas, and you guys are my Florida family. We’re all working over the festive period, so we need to let our hair down a little, don’t you think?” “Hey, I’m coming back with you after the gifts to help you get ready. Wouldn’t miss the Patrick festive Christmas lasagna,” Annie said giggling. “Tell me what you need me to bring and I’ll get it while I’m out now. It was the best night of the year, last year.” “Thank you, that means a lot, Kelsey said, touched at Annie’s compliment. “I think I’m good, though.” She paused. “No, hang on a minute. They didn’t have any heavy cream when I went to the store earlier. Could you see if Nielsen’s has any, if you’re going to be next door at Caspar’s.” “I can do that. Ooh, I do hope you’re gonna use that cream in your famous cherry trifle. I just love that stuff,” Annie said, not disguising the desire in her voice. Kelsey couldn’t help wondering if she was actually drooling. It made her smile to think her food was so appreciated. “I might, I might not. It’ll all depend on whether you get me the cream,” she teased. “Oh, I’ll get you that cream,” Annie vowed. The two women laughed and made their good byes, assuring each other that they’d meet up at work the next day. Hanging up, Kelsey wondered what it must be like, to be one of those people who left everything to the very last minute. To not have even thought about what you were going to buy someone, the night before that gift was to be given, that would never sit well with Kelsey. Normally her tree would have been up on the very first day of December, and her presents and cards wrapped and delivered across the country a week ago. She absolutely hated that her tree had only gone up today when it was just a week and a half from Christmas. But, because of all the shifts she’d taken at work she didn’t really have much of a choice if she wanted to sleep any. It was done now and her living room sparkled from all the fairy lights as they flashed their bright hues over the glittering tinsel and shiny metallic baubles. Feeling weary, Kelsey stretched and yawned loudly. Winston looked at her with wide eyes. “Bed time?” she asked him. He ran straight through to the bedroom and began to stake his claim at the end of the bed. He kneaded the mattress with his paws, then settled down, curling his body up into a tight ball, though he left his legs out in front of him, making him look a bit like a furry shrimp. Kelsey slipped off her shorts and tee shirt and slipped on an old night shirt. It had a very faded Mickey Mouse on it and was so misshapen from all the years of washings that it was barely holding itself together. But it was comfortable on the warm nights here in Florida, and so Kelsey would never part with it. The sheets were cool as she slipped between them, and it wasn’t long before she had fallen fast asleep. She dreamed of snow falling all around her with fat, heavy flakes landing on her hair and her eyelashes. Wrapped up in a thick coat, with woolen mittens and a hand-knitted scarf and hat she was toasty warm. She twirled around and around, as though she were a ballerina in a music box, turning her face up to the sky and opening her mouth so the snow could land on her tongue, all icy and fresh. It was like Heaven on Earth, and when the alarm sounded Kelsey didn’t want to wake up and face the bright sunshine, or the palm trees, or the sea because there would be no snow again today in Florida.   Wonderful story! The characters are engaging and I love the emphasis on family. Christmas away from home filled with memories takes the reader on a sweet Christmas adventure with friends and surprises to make for a nice evening read. The end is such a sweet surprise, I never saw it coming! Very good clean romance.           Author Hayley Wescott Hayley Wescott loves a sweet love story with the emphasis on the sweet. As a Christian author, she's happy and fulfilled to write stories about real life that don't include cringe-worthy moments or details a reader doesn't really want. Some of Hayley's stories are about real life. Contemporary stories about flawed people and people that have issues. But each of these stories is resolved in a positive way and the guy always gets the girl. As part of the Hero Hearts group, Hayley loves writing about heroes who will save the day in big ways and small ones. With Annie Boone, who writes historical romance, and Kate Cambridge who writes both historical and contemporary romance, these three will deliver sweet stories that will capture your heart. Handsome men with big hearts and big jobs and the women who end up falling for them.            
Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/6/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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BOOK REVIEW: SLITHERS by W W Mortesen

SLITHERS
W.W. Mortensen
Horror

On a remote country road, heading out to a weekend party, Tobe West and his friends pick up two hitchhikers. It seems like the right thing to do.

No-one could have predicted the freak car accident that is about to change their lives.

Stranded in the middle of nowhere, Tobe and the others are faced with a landscape suddenly unfamiliar, in a universe that has come loose from its moorings. Strange things slither in the woods, and spectral lights hover just off the road. A petrol station, shining brightly in a world otherwise dark and frightening, promises safe haven, but Tobe learns the biggest threat lies within the very people he’s trying to protect.

As reality breaks down and dangers multiply, Tobe must uncover the hidden agenda of one of the survivors... and keep the others safe from something lurking in the darkness.

Something that is hunting them all.

If they are to survive the night, Tobe must face the horrifying truth—that nothing is as it seems, and that they are all part of a larger plan, part of someone else's unfinished business...

MY REVIEW:

I downloaded SLITHERS for my Nook, attracted by the premise, the cover, and the price ($1.99). I always love a good horror novel. This one is pretty short, and the pace was quick. Got right to the action. Writing drew me in right away.

Five friends on their way to a late night party get side-swiped by a semi-truck. Their car totaled, the five, plus two hitchhikers they picked up earlier, start walking toward the nearest gas station for help. But nothing is right. The stars, the forest, the sounds in the air, the texture of the rain, the absence of people, the giant bugs.

Things really take a bad turn when they discover the truck driver, whose body ruptures emitting some strange new creature. After that, all that is on their minds is survival.

SLITHERS, for most of the book, seriously satisfies. The author knows how to write, how to hook a reader's attention and hold it tight. I had a hard time putting this book down.

Unfortunately, as happens with way too many plot driven horror novels, the end kind of fell apart. Well, not so much fell apart as got garbled and confusing. What was a pretty gorey, terrifying ride trying to escape human-devouring monsters suddenly transformed instead into some weird time-travel, other-dimension journey that took way too much explaining on the author's part for me to completely grasp. It was a clever twist, I'll give him that, but the execution felt rushed and mind-numbing. Overall, the satisfaction I felt through 3/4 of the book dissipated by the last couple of chapters. I was truly sorry it didn't quite deliver because Mortensen is a great writer, enough so that I might still take a gamble on his earlier book, EIGHT.



CONTENT RATING:

Profanity: Moderate
Sexuality: Mild
Violence: High

$10 GIVEAWAY - BLINDED by Jennifer Dean

Blinded Bound Series Book 2by Jennifer Dean Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Despite the attack that almost took her life, Emma Morgan has accepted the risk that comes from being in love with an immortal like Liam Alexander.

But continuing to seek the approval of her older brother is a whole different struggle, and when tensions finally reach a breaking point between the siblings, looming enemies take advantage of the distraction.




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BoundBound Series Book 1
When fate leads Emma Morgan back to her small hometown of Washington, she learns that the life she knew three years ago has changed once she meets the charmingly, mysterious Liam Alexander. But when her brother Sean, voices his disapproval, Emma finds her loyalty in the way of her newfound curiosity of the youngest Alexander. Only the more she tries to avoid Liam the more she finds him in her constant company.

A risk that leads down a dangerous path once Emma begins to discover a secret about the Alexanders that no human should ever know.


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I was never that child you found in the corner reading. In fact, I loathed the idea of picking up a book. The activity seemed more of a chore than a past time.All that changed when my brother began talking to me about the newest novel he was reading.Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. Before I knew it, my curiosity got the better of me, luring me to try the series. It didn't take long for my mindset of reading to turn on its head. But even with my new hobby discovered it wasn't until my junior year of college that I developed a hidden desire for writing stories. And when I found myself writing scenes instead of paying attention to my professors, I knew becoming a writer was the career path I was meant to follow.
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$25 GIVEAWAY - FOUNTAIN DEAD by Theresa Braun

Fountain Deadby Theresa BraunGenre: YA Horror 
Mark is uprooted from his home and high school in the Twin Cities and forced to move with his family into a Victorian in Nowhere-ville. Busy with the relocation and fitting in, Mark’s parents don’t see what’s unfolding around them—the way rooms and left behind objects seem alive with a haunted past.
Of course, Mark keeps his ghostly encounters to himself, all the while sinking deeper into the house's dark, alluring, and ultimately terrifying history. As romantic entanglements intensify, the paranormal activity escalates. Past and present come together. Everything is connected—from the bricks in the walls to the hearts beating in their chests, all the secrets of Fountain Dead are finally unearthed.

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Theresa Braun was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and has carried some of that hardiness with her to South Florida where she currently resides. An English teacher and adjunct college professor for over thirteen years, she continues to share her enthusiasm for literary arts with her students. She earned a Masters in English literature with a thesis on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. In her spare time, she enjoys delving into her own creative writing, painting, photography and even ghost hunting. Spending time with her family and traveling as often possible are two of her passions. In fact, her world meanderings are often backdrops for her work. Striving to make the world a better place is something dear to her heart.
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$25 GIVEAWAY - THE SPINSTER AND I by Rebecca Connolly

 The Spinster and I by Rebecca Connolly Poor, unfortunate Spinster... Prudence Westfall, spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune, and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution. Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject.  
 “Didn’t you hear how they flattered me? You said yourself, men lie through their teeth.” He hissed, and she looked over at him only to see him shaking his head. “Prue, I didn’t mean… Sometimes we are sincere. Sometimes we do mean everything we say. And you should like it and take it as a compliment.” Prue smiled a very tight, thin smile. “They never have before, so I have no taste for it.” She exhaled and looked back into the ballroom, clasping her hands before her. “I just wish to be left alone.” “Well,” he sighed, “then we have another problem.” She looked up at him wryly. “And that is?” He shrugged, something new in his dark eyes. “I don’t think I can leave you alone.” He stared at her for a long moment, his hand stilled on her back, and added, “I know I can’t.” Her head tilted in a question. “Why not?” “Because I see you,” he admitted with a rawness she did not anticipate. “And I like what I see.”
     
 You know we say "a good clean book" to indicate, yes there is no sex, no obscenities and very little kissing but a good read nonetheless? There is no "nonetheless" here. It is a good book without qualification. Nothing was missing. Prue was a character who faced serious debilitating problems communicating with others and villainous family members and Cam, who fought his own demons, helped her as she helped him. Her blossoming was realistic and touching. The writing was good and the treatment of characters and flaws sensitive and well developed. A good read. Rebecca Connolly creates vivid characters who want to fight for, to laugh and cry with. Sweet and breathtakingly romantic. I read this book in kindle unlimited, but now I'm going back to purchase it. I really like Ms. Connolly's books! I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Prue and Cam. They appear to be complete opposites but they truly are wonderful for each other. I especially love how they helped each other heal without even trying or realizing. And of course, I love both Prue and Cam's friends. So much loyalty. A wonderful clean read for a hopeless romantic like myself. The next book can't come soon enough! Thank you for another enjoyable read Rebecca Connolly, I needed this escape!        
Author Rebecca Connolly Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.    
         
Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/6/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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