Category: Giveaway

Literary Book Gifts (Product review and coupon)

LITERARY BOOK GIFTS

As book lovers, there’s one other thing we love, and that’s products related to books. For me, I love tote bags. I use them for many occasions, such as, a beach bag while on vacation, as a carry on bag for airplanes, when traveling to my sons’ homes to hold books and snacks for the car ride or goodies that I’m bringing them, for my electronic gadgets, when I visit my local library, etc..

I ordered a medium tote bag and was so impressed by the quality, material, workmanship, and size, that I had to share this site with you. I was expecting a cotton fabric, as some of my other tote bags are, but this is much sturdier (the images below do not give this bag justice).

 photo 6c7d0add-4008-42ca-8069-e4c3c1f95e4d.jpg  photo 366c8abd-8e7d-40b5-aef8-f1b0cb95bd3b.jpg

I contacted the owner and she is generously providing my followers/visitors with a coupon towards any product on her site.

The promo code cmashlovestoread20 is now live, and good for 20% off anything in the store, no minimum, and does not expire.

From Melissa, owner of Literary Book Gifts:

I started Literary Book Gifts as a way spread the love of reading, writing, and books in general. And also to make a few items that I, myself would wear. Having specific titles and authors available online, especially with a great color and size range (women’s XS-3XL, men’s S-5XL) is a great way for everyone to be able to pick and choose the exact item that suits both their literary and style choices.

The tote bag is made 100% Polyester, this is important not only for the durability and structure of the bag but for the printing process as well. The handles are cotton.

I love the online book community, and it is such an honor to finally work with some of the bloggers whose blogs I have been reading for so long!

Stop by Literary Book Gifts to check out all the merchandise. And with Christmas right around the corner, use the coupon for some early Christmas shopping for the bookworms in your life!

THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SUMMER by Peter Murphy (Review & Giveaway)

THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SUMMER by Peter Murphy
Genre: Literary Fiction
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 1611882575 (ISBN13: 9781611882575)
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: eBook
My Rating: 5

Synopsis

They have been coming to their grandmother Gloria’s lake cottage since they were babies. Now Johnnie and Buddy have families of their own and C.C. has a life full of adult drama and adventure. And this trip – the only stated purpose of which is to bring the family together for the last weekend of the summer – seems full of portent. Gloria has been hinting that there’s more on the agenda than grilling and swimming, and when the three siblings learn that their estranged father will also be in attendance, it becomes clear that this weekend will have implications that last far beyond the final days of the season.

A touching, incisive view into the dynamics of a family on the verge of change and filled with characters both distinctive and utterly relatable, THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SUMMER is a rich, lyrical reading experience that will resonate in your heart.

MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW

5 stars

Gloria, the 82 year old matriarch, has invited her entire family to her cottage, her son Jake, former daughter-in-law, how has been divorced from Jake for 25 years, their 3 children with significant others and 4 great-grandchildren. The family believes this get together is for Gloria to announce that she may be dying. Someone is dying, but who?

The entire family have secrets and resentments of years past. Can this weekend bring closure? Can those with so much hurt and bitterness forgive not only the other in the family but also take stock of their own shortcomings?

This was such a compelling and impassioned read with a message! The characters believable and fully developed. The writing style allowed this reader to feel that I was a bystander. Will tug on your heart strings!

One quote that I thought was poignant was:
It is so easy to rationalize our own mistakes and just as easy to make too big a deal of the mistakes of others.

Not only do I recommend this as a summer read, I highly recommend it for the message.

Definitely 5 stars!

**Stop by Thursday for an interview with Peter Murphy**

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

 

GIVEAWAY:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for The Story Plant and Peter Murphy. There will be 5 winners of one (1) copy of LAGAN LOVE by Peter Murphy (eBook). The giveaway begins on September 1, 2018 and runs through November 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasin
  • THE SUPER LADIES by Susan Petrone (Review & Giveaway)

    THE SUPER LADIES by Susan Petrone
    Genre: Women’s Fiction
    Published by: The Story Plant
    Publication Date: August 14th 2018 by Story Plant
    Number of Pages: 320
    ISBN: 1611882583
    ISBN13: 9781611882582Review Copy from: The Story Plant
    Edition: Kindle
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis

    For three middle-aged women in the suburbs of Cleveland, the issues seemed compelling but relatively conventional: sending a child off to college, dealing with a marriage gone stale, feeling “invisible.” But changes were coming . . . and not the predictable ones. Because Margie, Katherine, and Abra are feeling a new kind of power inside of them – literally. Of all the things they thought they might have to contend with as they got older, not one of them considered they’d be exploding a few gender roles by becoming superheroes.

    My Thoughts

    Margie, Katherine, and Abra, three 47 year old friends, living a relatively normal life, until Margie’s daughter’s science project goes wrong, and changing their lives in a dramatic way when they realize they now have super powers. After many discussions between them, they agree to use these abilities for positive situations.

    This is the first book that I have read by this author, but seeing that I read this book in one sitting, it surely won’t be the last.

    At times, a fun read but also thought provoking. How many times, does one wish they actually did have a super power? I know I have.

    The characters relatable, the descriptions elicited vivid imagery and the writing fluid. A delightful and entertaining book with an amusing storyline. Thoroughly enjoyed this read in it’s entirety!! Highly endorse picking up a copy!

    Without giving away any spoilers, if I had the choice to choose one of the ladies’ powers, it would be Katherine’s, aka Indestruca. but to find out what that power is, you will need to read this book.

    **Stop by tomorrow for Q&A with Susan Petrone**

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    Giveaway:

    This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Providence Book Promotions for The Story Plant. There will be 5 winners of one (1) PB copy of THROW LIKE A WOMAN by Susan Petrone. The giveaway begins on August 13, 2018 and runs through October 13, 2018. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

    This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
    DISCLAIMER

    I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
    No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
    ADDENDUM

    I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

    THE CHAIRMAN’S TOYS by Graham Reed (Review & Giveaway)

    THE CHAIRMAN’S TOYS by Graham Reed
    Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Humor
    Published by: Poisoned Pen Press
    Publication Date: July 3, 2018
    Number of Pages: 238
    ISBN: 1464210055
    ISBN13: 9781464210051
    Review Copy from: Author
    Edition: Kindle
    My Rating: 4

    Synopsis (via GR)

    Vancouver, British Columbia – land of psychotically expensive real estate, high-grade cannabis, and Jake Constable. A man adrift.

    After Jake quits the drug business, his realtor/ex-wife, Nina, gets him a job as a house sitter for her wealthy clients. Jake celebrates by throwing a party in the mansion he was hired to look after. Unfortunately, the guest list gets out of hand, leaving Jake to contend with a hallucinogenic-vitamin-dispensing yogi, a dead guy in the bathroom, and The Norwegian – a criminal force of nature with a grudge against Jake.

    When the owner of the multimillion-dollar crime scene returns home prematurely, only Jake’s inadvertent discovery of the man’s politically incorrect business history saves him from having to clean up after the party. But he still has to come clean with his ex-wife. The situation threatens to turn into an international incident when Nina’s power broker uncle and some Chinese government agents show up to turn the screws on Jake. Soon after that his friends start disappearing. With the Chinese government leaning on him and The Norwegian out to settle an old score, Jake comes up with a desperate plan to dupe a pair of secret agents, save his friends, and (why not?) solve the murder.

    Editorial Reviews:
    “…takes the reader on a fast, furious, and often hilarious tour. Watching him zigzag through the twisting plot is pure pleasure.” – Publisher’s Weekly

    “Reed’s lively mystery debut may be overloaded with colorful characters and tricky subplots, but too much of a good thing is still a good thing.” – Kirkus Reviews

    “…definitely belongs on your short list of amiable stoner sleuths, along with Bart Schneider’s Augie Boyer and Hal Ackerman’s Harry Stein. The dark-comedy aspect of this debut will also appeal to fans of Chris Knopf, David Freed, and Tim Cockey.” – Booklist

    My Thoughts

    After reading the synopsis and editorial reviews, this book piqued my curiosity, and am so glad it did!

    Jake Constable, former drug dealer and now house sitter to the rich, makes an unfortunate decision. He decides to throw a large party at the house he is tending to. What could go wrong? A bit of a mess? No problem, his friends Richard and Dante have a custodial cleaning business. Until Richard, who is at the party, texts him that “there’s a dead guy in the bathroom :(“. And no one knows who he is.

    As Jake, Dante and Richard try to figure this mess out, Dante and Richard are kidnapped. And Jake finds himself involved with both some very unsavory men and government representatives of China.

    Along with humor, the suspense of this debut novel was exciting to the very end. The cast of characters outlandish and sometimes comical. Impressive writing and storyline. I will be looking for more work by this author.

    This indeed was an entertaining read!

    **Stop by tomorrow for Q&A with Graham Reed**

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    GIVEAWAY:

    This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Graham Reed. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on August 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

    This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
    DISCLAIMER

    I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
    No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
    ADDENDUM

    I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

    THE FORMER ASSASSIN by Nikki Stern (Showcase & Giveaway)

    The Former Assassin

    by Nikki Stern

    on Tour August 1-31, 2018

    Synopsis:

    The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern

    Susan Foster wants to retire. Her boss wants her dead.

    After decades as Victor Kemp’s off-the books killer, Suzanne finally quits. Not until five years later does Kemp discover how thoroughly she’s deceived him. Determined to punish her, he tracks her to Wales to watch her die. Instead, he walks into a trap.

    Believing themselves safe at last, Suzanne and her family relocate to London, where she hopes to find the peace that has eluded her for so long. Her son is engaged to a nobleman’s daughter; her husband has a good job with British Intelligence. Yet she still struggles with restless dreams and the premonition that her nemesis has survived.

    He has: Kemp, though severely injured, is rebuilding his empire and plotting revenge. He’s prepared to risk everything to end the former assassin. He may not be the only one.

    Suzanne has no choice: to protect those she loves, she will be forced to kill again. Assassins, it seems, can never retire.

    “An explosive page-turner which owes its momentum to it two well-drawn opponents and a conflict that goes beyond good-vs.-evil.” ~IndieReader, Four Star review

    “Later turns in the smashing final act come at a searing pace.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

    “Keeps readers guessing the outcome right up to its conclusion.” ~D. Donovan Midwest Book Review

    Book Details:

    Genre: Suspense Thriller
    Published by: Ruthenia Press
    Publication Date: January 8, 2018
    Number of Pages: 304
    ISBN: 9780999548721
    Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible | Goodreads

     

    Read an excerpt:

    Today is not a good day to die.

    No day is, not really. We humans are hard-wired to survive. By most standards, though, this morning is exceptional. The weather is balmy, even for May. The fierce winds that often pound the Welsh coastline have remained offshore. Purple heather blankets the emerald cliffs that encircle Bristol Bay. Small breakers gently lap the shoreline and wash the sand clean of debris. The water sparkles in the sunlight. Shades of azure and aquamarine yield to cyan and lapis further out. In the distance, the sea meets a cerulean sky just where the earth curves. No slate clouds gather at the horizon. All is calm.

    Nothing suggested that today I would find myself on a bench in one of the most breathtaking spots in the world with a gun to my head, held by a predator who speaks just two words: “Don’t move.”

    ***

    Excerpt from The Former Assassin by Nikki Stern. Copyright © 2018 by Nikki Stern. Reproduced with permission from Nikki Stern. All rights reserved.

     

    Author Bio:

    Nikki Stern

    Nikki is the author of two works of non-fiction: HOPE IN SMALL DOSES, a 2015 Eric Hoffer finalist for books that provoke, inspire and redirect thought, and BECAUSE I SAY SO: MORAL AUTHORITY’S DANGEROUS APPEAL, as well as dozens of short stories. She is co-author on the Cafe Noir interactive murder mystery series, published by Samuel French. Nikki’s suspense novel, THE FORMER ASSASSIN has garnered strong reviews, including a four-star rating from Indie Reader. She’s working on a mystery/sci-fi series starring an unorthodox crime fighter named Samantha Tate. When she’s not writing about strong complex women, Nikki is working with several non-profits, taking Pilates classes, and attending to the needs of her dog, Molly.

    Catch Up With Nikki Stern On:
    Website, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!

     

    Tour Participants:

    Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

     

    ENTER GIVEAWAY:

    This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Nikki Stern. There will be 2 winners of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on August 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

     

    Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

     

    THE CONSULTANT by Tj O’Connor (Review, Showcase & Giveaway)

    The Consultant

    by Tj O’Connor

    July 1-31, 2018 Tour

    Synopsis:

    The Consultant by Tj O'Connor

    Terrorism hits Main Street America

    When a rogue CIA consultant goes AWOL from his Middle Eastern post in response to his brother’s plea for help, he arrives just in time to witness his brother’s murder. For years, Jonathan Hunter and his brother Kevin Mallory had not spoken―until Kevin’s final words, “… Khalifah … Not Them … Maya.”

    Pursuing his brother’s killer, Hunter stumbles into a nest of horrifying terrorist activity by Middle Eastern refugees, which sparks a backlash across America. In the shadows, Hunter’s mentor, the omnipotent Oscar LaRue, is playing a dangerous game with Russian Intelligence. Neither Hunter nor LaRue realizes that a new threat―the Iranian threat―has entered the game. Stakes rise as two shadowy players are one step ahead of Hunter and LaRue―Khalifah, a terrorist mastermind, and Caine, a nomadic assassin who dances with the highest bidder.

    As attacks escalate and the country drifts toward another Middle East conflict, innocent refugees become trapped between the terrorists and the terrorized. Prejudice, hate, and fear vent everywhere. Is this who we’ve become? Before the country explodes, Hunter must find Khalifah, learn the next terror target, and pray he’s in time to stop further annihilation.

     

    MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW

    5 stars

    I usually don’t read espionage with foreign factions’ thrillers but there was something about the synopsis, along with the author’s bio, that intrigued me. Let me tell you, I’m so glad it did! This book scared me, in the way that this could happen in reality.

    Jon Hunter Malloy, a U.S. government consultant of international security, receives a letter from his brother, a Virginia BCI officer, who he has not seen or talked to in 18 years, begging him to meet him. However, when he arrives on U.S. soil and is approaching their prearranged meeting location, he is too late. Kevin, his brother, has been shot and is close to death. But he has a message for Jon. Not fully understanding his brother’s last words, all Jon wants is to find out who murdered his brother. But after the local police and FBI arrive on the scene, there is definitely more to this situation. And thus starts the page turning at warp speed.

    Terrorism has hit the U.S. But who is behind it?

    The story takes place over 7days, and the action is ramped up with every page.

    The characters had me guessing as to who was on the right side of the law and who wasn’t. Agents and double agents.

    Without wanting to give even a little bit away, I will say this book held me captive with a nervous anxiety because I realized that this could actually happen. It was also frightening to think of how little we know of our government and the workings of it, in which Tj O’Connor gives us a peek.

    Palpable non stop action that culminates in an explosive ending!! An exceptional and thrilling read! I promise you, you won’t be able to put it down!

    I can’t wait for the next book! I highly suggest you pick this book up!

    The Consultant has been chosen by Amazon to be a July Kindle Monthly Deal for $.99. Get your copy now.

     

    Editorial Reviews:

    “Tj O’Connor is that rare thriller writer with both talent and street time in the worlds he rockets us readers through. O’Connor’s stories will pull you in and race you through plots that come from behind the headlines in our crazy world.” ―James Grady, New York Times best-selling author of Last Days of the Condor

    The Consultant is a flat out, dynamite read. Fast paced, compelling, and all too real. O’Connor writes with authority and the pages fly by almost too quickly. My favorite kind of thriller, reminiscent of the best Ludlum and Forsyth.” ―Christopher Reich, New York Times best-selling author of Invasion of Privacy

    “Thriller fans who value fast-paced action…will be satisfied.”―Publishers Weekly

    “Hop on O’Connor’s back and enjoy this ride. Helluva fun tale full of action, layers, deceptions, twists, and surprises. Well worth finding this one, folks. Put the publication date on your calendar. It rocks.”―Men Reading Books

    Book Details:

    Genre: Thriller
    Published by: Oceanview Publishing
    Publication Date: May 15th 2018
    Number of Pages: 432
    ISBN: 1608092836 (ISBN13: 9781608092833)
    Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

     

    The Consultant Trailer:

     

    Read an excerpt:

    CHAPTER 1

    Day 1: May 15, 2130 Hours, Daylight Saving Time
    East Bank of the Shenandoah River, Clarke County, Virginia

    The gunshots took me by surprise and, without luck, might have killed me. The first shot splayed a spiderweb across my windshield before it whistled past my head, peppering glass needles into my face. The second smashed my driver’s-side mirror. An amateur might have panic-braked and skidded to a stop—a fatal mistake. The shooter hesitated, anticipating that decision, and readied for my failure.
    Training. Muscle memory. Response.

    I gunned the engine, wrenched the car to the left to put more steel between me and the shooter, and sped forward, looking for cover.
    My headlights exploded and flashed dark. Bullets breached the windshield. The rearview mirror and rear window were gone. Had I not flinched, one shot would have found my right eye but shredded my headrest instead.

    I careened to a stop at the bottom of the boat launch— vulnerable. The shooter was ahead in the darkness, likely maneuvering for another shot. A closer shot. The kill shot. He’d be closing the distance and finding a new advantage.

    Luck had its limits, so I dove from the car and rolled to cover behind it. I fought to control the adrenaline and bridle my thoughts.

    Easy, Hunter, steady. Listen—watch—survive.

    I stayed low and crept along the side of the car, looking for better cover. Spring rain made the darkness murky and dense. The Shenandoah River was to my left some fifty feet. A blind guess. Overhead, two dark spans of the Route 7 bridge blocked what little light there was but provided some cover from the rain. The six substructure supports in front of me might afford me cover. They also afforded the shooter cover. He was hidden and waiting. Still, Kevin Mallory was nowhere to be seen. Under normal conditions—and normal is relative with me—I might have judged the shots’ origins. Driving headlong into an ambush on terrain I’d long ago forgotten, in darkness and rain, I was all but defeated.

    Silence.

    Easy, Hunter, easy. Count your breaths. One, two, three.

    Out there, somewhere, someone wanted me dead.

    Worse. I was unarmed and alone.

    Jesus. Where was Kevin?

    The boat launch was just a small gravel lot tucked beneath the expanse of the Route 7 Bridge across the Shenandoah. At night it should have been empty. It was nearing ten p.m. and I hadn’t expected to find anyone but Kevin. Yet, while we’d been estranged for years, under bad circumstances, I doubted he was hunting me.

    Although, I do tend to bring out the worst in people.

    Ahead, perhaps seventy-five feet, a dark four-door SUV faced an old pickup. The vehicles were nose to nose like two dogs sniffing each other.

    No movement. No sound.

    One, two, three. I ran to the nearest bridge support, stopped, listened, and bolted to the rear of the SUV.

    Silence. Safety. But something else—a dangerous odor. The pungent scent of gasoline. A lot of gasoline.

    I got down on one knee and looked around. The dome light was on and the driver’s door was ajar. Something lay on the ground near the left front fender. A large, bulky something that washed an angry tide of flashbacks over me.

    I’d seen silhouettes like that before.

    A body.

    Bodies look the same in any country, under any dark sky. It didn’t matter if it were the rocky Afghan terrain or along a quiet country river. Their lifeless, empty shells were all hopeless. All forsaken. All discards of violence. The silhouette three yards away was no different. Except this wasn’t Afghanistan or Iraq. It was home.

    I made ready.

    No muzzle flash. No assassin’s bullet. I crept to the SUV’s rear tire, crouched low, and slithered to the front fender.

    The body was a man. He lay three feet in front of the fender and precariously vulnerable beneath the spell of the SUV’s dome light. He was tall and bulky. Not fat, but strong and muscled.

    No. No. God, no!

    After fifteen years of silence and thousands of miles, I knew the body—the man. His hair had grayed and his face was creased with age and strain. The years had been hard on him. Years he was here while I was forever there. Always elsewhere. He’d built a life from our loss while I’d escaped—run away. He once warned me that my life’s choice would leave me as I found him now, alone and dead. The irony churned bile inside me.

    Kevin Mallory.

    “Kevin,” I blurted without thinking. “Kevin, it’s me. It’s Jon.”

    My mouth was a desert and the familiar brew of adrenaline and danger coursed through me. In one quick move, I leaped from the SUV’s shadow, grabbed his shoulders, and tried to drag him back to safety.

    No sooner had I reached him when a figure charged from the darkness toward us. His arm leveled—one, two, three shots on the run—all hitting earth nearby. I threw myself over Kevin. Another shot sent stone fragments into my cheeks and neck. The figure reached the rear of the pickup, tossed something in the bed, fired another wild shot, and retreated at a dead run.

    Lightning. A brilliant flash of light, a violent percussion, then a whoosh of fire erupted from the pickup. The flames belched up and over the side panels. They spat light and heat. The truck swelled into an inferno.

    The heat singed my face. I gripped Kevin’s shoulders and dragged him the remaining feet behind the SUV. He was limp and heavy. The raging fire bathed us in light, and I finally saw him clearly. His eyes were dull and vacant. His face pale—a death mask. If life was inside, it was hidden well.

    The truck was engulfed in flames, and the heat was tremendous. It reached us and felt oddly comforting amidst the spring dampness and dark.

    “Kevin, hold on. Hold on.” I looked for an escape.

    I saw the next shot before I heard it—a flash of light where none should be—uphill near River Road. Seasoned instincts threw me atop Kevin again. Glass crackled overhead and rained down. I grabbed for the familiar weight behind my back, but my fingers closed on nothing.

    Dammit.

    I hastily searched him. No weapon. All I found was an empty holster where his handgun should have been. Where was it? In a desperate move, I rolled off and snaked forward beneath the truck’s firelight and groped around where he’d been. It took several long, vulnerable seconds. I dared not breathe or even look for the shooter, fearing I’d see the shot that would end me. Finally, my fingers closed on a wet, gritty semiautomatic.

    As I retreated to the SUV, something moved in the darkness. I pivoted and fired two rapid shots, spacing them three feet apart.

    Response. A shot dug into the gravel inches away to my left.

    Rule one of mortal combat—incoming fire has the right of way.

    Retreat. The flash was a hundred feet away. The shooter had withdrawn and angled south down River Road.

    Should I take him? Could I?

    One, two, three. Reason, Hunter, reason.

    The shooter had fired at least fifteen rounds. Fourteen at me and at least one into Kevin. Had Kevin returned fire? How many rounds did his semiautomatic have left? I was on turf all but forgotten, armed with a handgun that was perhaps near-empty. The shooter must have a high-capacity magazine with plenty of ammo to cut me to pieces. He’d already proven willing and capable of killing. He knew my location. I knew nothing.

    Revenge would wait.

    I sat back against the SUV’s tire and pulled Kevin close, keeping one arm around him and the other holding the handgun ready. The truck fire raged but was easing. The gasoline that had been splashed over it was consumed and only the paint and rubber were burning.

    Soon, though, the fire might breach the gas tank.

    I pulled Kevin close and braced myself.

    “Kevin, wake up. It’s me—Jon. I’m here.”

    “Jon?” His eyes fluttered and half-opened. “I . . . so sorry . . . Khalifah . . . he’s . . . find G. Find G . . .” He gasped for breath. “Khalifah . . . G . . . Baltimore . . . it’s not them. Khalifah . . . so sorry . . .”

    “Sorry for what? Who’s Khalifah? Did he shoot you?”

    “Tomorrow . . . not them. G . . . Khalifah is . . .” His body went limp.

    I shook him easily. “Kevin, I don’t understand. Tell me again.”

    “Find G . . .” His eyes fluttered again, and he clutched my arm with limp, sleepy fingers. “Find . . . Hunter . . .”

    “Tell me who did this.”

    “G . . . Jon . . . tell no one. Maya . . . Maya . . . Maya in Baltimore . . .” He fumbled with something from his pants pocket. He gasped for breath and pressed that something into my hand. “So sorry . . .”

    I opened my hand. He’d given me a small, ripped piece of heavy folded paper with handwriting scrawled on it. I couldn’t make out the writing and stuffed it into my pocket. “Kevin, what are you saying? Hold on. Dammit, hold on.”

    “Go . . . please . . . not them . . . it’s not . . .” He tried to breathe but mustered only a raspy gag.

    “Kevin!”

    Silence.

    His body shuddered. A long, shallow sigh.

    No. No. No . . .

    My fingers found warm, sticky ooze soaking his shirt. The rain had slowed to a faint mist and, except for the river’s passing and the grumble of fire, there was only silence. Then, somewhere along the highway miles in the distance, sirens wailed.

    “Hold on, Kevin. They’re coming. My God, hold on.”

    I checked his pulse and wounds. Both were draining away life.

    I pressed my hands into the ooze but couldn’t force its retreat. For a few seconds, I was fourteen again. The dull sickness invaded me as my parents were lowered side by side into the earth. The ache started in my gut and swelled until I spat bile and rage.

    It was happening again.

    The man who raised me—the man I’d abandoned—slipped away. The emptiness and loss attacked. I had to fight or it would destroy me again. This time, there was nowhere to run.

    I closed my eyes and willed the anger in, commanding it to take hold and fill me.

    I remember, Kevin. I made you a promise. I’m late, but I’m here.

    He was limp, and I clutched him. A rush of words filled me that I’d wanted to say for so many years. But before I could speak just one, my brother was gone.
    ***

    Excerpt from The Consultant by Tj O’Connor. Copyright © 2018 by Tj O’Connor. Reproduced with permission from Tj O’Connor. All rights reserved.

     

    Author Bio:

    Tj O'Connor

    Tj O’Connor is the author of The Consultant, the first of The Jonathan Hunter Thriller series and four paranormal mysteries.

    Tj is an international security consultant specializing in anti-terrorism, investigations, and threat analysis—life experiences that drive his novels. With his former life as a government agent and years as a consultant, he has lived and worked around the world in places like Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and throughout the Americas—among others. He was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley and lives with his wife and Labrador companions in Virginia where they raised five children.

    Dying to Know, Tj’s first published novel, won the 2015 Gold Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) for mysteries and was a Finalist for both a 2015 Silver Falchion Award and the 2014 Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Mystery Book of the Year.

     

    Catch Up With Our Author On:
    Website, GoodreadsTwitter, & Facebook!

     

    Tour Participants:

    Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

     

    ENTER TO WIN:

    This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Tj O’Connor. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card and 4 winners of one (1) print OR eBook copy of Tj O’Connor’s The Consultant. The giveaway begins on July 1, 2018 and runs through August 1, 2018. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited

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    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

    This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
    DISCLAIMER

    I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
    No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
    ADDENDUM

    I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

    TAIL OF THE DRAGON by Connie di Marco (Showcase, Guest Post & Giveaway)

    Tail Of The Dragon by Connie di Marco Banner

    Tail of the Dragon

    by Connie di Marco

    on Tour July 16 – August 31, 2018

    Synopsis:

    Tail of the Dragon by Connie di Marco

    San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never thought murder would be part of her practice, but now, Julia’s former boss and current client has asked for help. He has serious problems at his law firm. Two attorneys and a paralegal have received death threats and the only common denominator between all three is a case long settled — the highly publicized Bank of San Francisco fire. Julia’s convinced a woman is behind the threats, perhaps even the widow of the man who died in that same fire, but no one wants to listen — they can’t believe astrology could provide a clue. Before Julia can help her client, two lawyers are dead and her own life is threatened. Can she unmask the killer before he (or she) takes another life?

    Book Details:

    Genre: Mystery
    Published by: Midnight Ink
    Publication Date: August 8th 2018
    Number of Pages: 336
    ISBN: 0738751065 (ISBN13: 9780738751061)
    Series: Zodiac Mystery #3
    Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Goodreads

     

    Read an excerpt:

    The doorbell rang. I hurried down the stairs to the front door. I hesitated as I saw a woman’s figure through the glass. Maggie. It was Maggie. I threw the door open and we hugged. Michael’s sister and I got along famously from the first time we met. Maggie probably understands better than anyone how I feel and even though we don’t stay in touch as much as we used to, every time we meet it’s as though no time has elapsed at all. I stepped back and took a good look at her. She wasn’t smiling. “Maggie? What is it?”

    “Can I come in?”

    “Of course. Yes.” She was quiet as we climbed the stairs. She headed straight for the kitchen and sat down at the table. I joined her. “What’s wrong?”

    “Something’s come up.”

    “About . . .”

    “Yes,” she didn’t have to say it. I knew she meant Michael.

    “What’s happened?” Part of me hoped against hope that we might find an answer some day, another part of me just wanted the sadness and unknowingness to go away.

    “Let me try to tell you in some kind of order.” She took a deep breath. “Do you remember the elderly man who used to live across the street from Michael’s old apartment?”

    I nodded. I did remember. Michael’s apartment at 45th and Taraval was just a few blocks from my old place in the Sunset District. “Michael and I used to see him when he walked his dog. And then . . .” I shrugged, “there was a time when we didn’t see him as much.”

    “Well, I think what happened was his son took the dog because it became too much for the old guy. But the dad didn’t want to leave his home so the family arranged some care and a companion for him.” I waited, not sure what Maggie’s story had to do with Michael. “Apparently, the old man was always taking pictures. He wasn’t any kind of a real photographer, but he liked to do that. He was always fooling around with his camera.”

    “Yes, I remember now. He’d even take pictures of the flowers in his yard.”

    “He died a couple of weeks ago. And his son and his daughter-in-law are putting the house up for sale. They’ve been there every day, moving stuff out and selling a few things to the neighbors. The thing is . . . they found a box of photos. The father didn’t like digital cameras, he had an old camera that he used and then he’d . . .

    “Maggie . . .” I couldn’t imagine where she was going with this story.

    “They found a photo of Michael. On the street. Just as that car hit him.”

    I gasped and covered my mouth. My heart was racing wildly. “He saw. He saw who hit Michael?”

    “He must have. He must have tried to take a picture of what happened from his window.”

    “Why didn’t he ever say anything?”

    Maggie shook her head. “I don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe he didn’t want to get involved. Maybe he was afraid he’d have to testify.”

    As much as I dreaded looking at anything Maggie had described, I still needed to see the photo. “Do you have it with you?”

    “I don’t. The old man’s son and his wife knew what it was. They didn’t know Michael, but they knew there had been a hit and run in the neighborhood and that someone had died, so they turned it over to the police.”

    “Have you seen it?”

    “Yes, they showed it to me and my mother. She’s hysterical right now.” Celia, Michael’s mother had refused to speak to me since his death. She wasn’t on firm ground to begin with but after the accident, in her convoluted logic, she blamed me for her loss. If he hadn’t been in such a hurry to meet me, he would have been more careful. He wouldn’t have been killed.

    “I can imagine.” I didn’t envy Maggie the emotional turmoil she must be dealing with.

    “I told you before, Julia, she’s made a shrine of Michael’s room and I’m so worried about her. She never wants to go out or do anything. Once in a while I manage to drag her to a restaurant for brunch or something, but even her old friends have given up calling her.”

    “What can they tell from the photo?”

    “Not much, it’s not digital and it’s old. He had an old Nikon, I think, so they can’t see very much. Michael is lying on his side on the street and . . .” Maggie’s voice shook, “and you can just see the edge of the car. It’s dark or black and there’s a bit of a bumper and the corner of the right rear tire. The police think the driver must have panicked and took off. The old guy might have been looking out his window when it happened and snapped it really quick. They’re going to try to get as much information from it as they can, but they don’t really hold out much hope.”

    “Who’s in charge of this?”

    “Actually, a retired detective has volunteered to work on it. The case has never been closed, but this is the first thing they’ve had to go on at all. I can get you the name of the detective in charge, and maybe he’ll give you more information. I’ll find out and let him know you might want to talk to him.”

    “Thanks, Maggie.” My heart sank. In all this time, no witnesses to the accident had come forward. One woman at the end of the block remembered a dark vehicle traveling fast, but couldn’t swear it had anything at all to do with the car that hit Michael. “We shouldn’t get our hopes up.”

    “I want some answers, Julia!” Maggie’s voice had risen. “And I’m sure you do too. It’s not right. What this has done to our family, to me, to you. All our lives have been changed because of this. I want to see someone pay for what they did.”

    I nodded. “I do too. It won’t change anything. It won’t bring him back. But you’re right. We’ve all gone through so much . . .”

    “I have to go.” Maggie stood suddenly and I realized she hadn’t even taken her coat off. “I’m staying at my Mom’s for a little while. I’m so worried about her. I don’t like the thought of her being all alone in that big house.”

    “Okay. Stay in touch and let me know what you find out?”

    “I will.” Maggie leaned toward me and I put my arms around her, holding her tight. I felt her chest rise, a quiet sob. “I’m sorry to arrive on your doorstep like this, but I had to tell you face to face.”

    “I’m glad you did, Maggie. I’m glad you did. And maybe we’ll learn more.”

    Maggie pulled away. I could see tears forming in her eyes as she rushed down the stairs.

    ***

    Excerpt from Tail of the Dragon by Connie di Marco. Copyright © 2018 by Connie di Marco. Reproduced with permission from Connie di Marco. All rights reserved.

     

    Author Bio:

    Connie di Marco

    Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink featuring San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti. Tail of the Dragon, third in the series, will be released on August 8, 2018.

    Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of MWA, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers.

     

    Guest Post

    10 Things About Julia Bonatti You Didn’t Know

    Ten things we don’t know about Julia Bonatti? Well, let me think. As the author of the Zodiac Mysteries, I’m not sure there’s anything my protagonist Julia hasn’t already revealed. I’ve tried to make her fairly open and honest about who she is and what motivates her. But maybe I can go further . . .

    Let’s see . . . Julia’s a Sagittarian and because she’s an astrologer she lets everyone know that her Sun sign indicates optimism, generosity, a free spirit, one who isn’t afraid to take on challenges or tackle danger. But her birthday? So far, that’s been a secret. So here goes — Julia was born on December 3, 1981 at 11:51 a.m. PST in San Francisco.

    You can see her chart below. Notice that her Sun, Mercury and Uranus are all clustered around her 10th house cusp (her career). Uranus always figures significantly in the charts of astrologers. Neptune is in the 10th as well. Her profession is linked to the mysterious, to the occult arts. Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn are clustered in her 8th house, a mysterious arena, the house of death. Her Ascendant is Aquarius. She’s eccentric, doesn’t really fit into the norm of a woman her age. And her Moon is in Pisces. She’s sensitive and a pushover for people in trouble.

    We do know that her parents were killed in a car crash on the Bay Bridge when she was just a child. She really can’t remember them too well, just an occasional vague memory. And she’s an only child raised by her grandmother. What she doesn’t talk about very much is her sense of displacement, her sense of not belonging. Her grandmother is her only link to the past. Then of course there’s Kuan, her grandmother’s friend who lives in the first floor apartment of her grandmother’s house in Castle Alley and practices Chinese medicine. Kuan was a dear friend of Julia’s grandfather (now deceased). In fact, Kuan saved her grandfather’s life many years before, but that’s something I’m holding back for a future story. To Julia, he’s a surrogate grandfather.

    With such a small family, her friends, Gale and Cheryl, are terribly important to her. Julia had hoped that when she and Michael married, that haunting sense of not belonging would be healed. Together they would start a family, but sadly that was taken away from her with Michael’s death.

    But what does Julia not talk about in the Zodiac Mysteries? Her fears. None of us can talk very lightly about our deepest fears. Maybe we’re superstitious, as if talking about the things we fear will bring them about.

    Julia fears her grandmother will die. After all, everyone else has left her. She knows logically that her grandmother will die someday, but it’s more than she can get her head around.

    She fears she’ll be alone for the rest of her life.

    She fears she’ll never fall in love again.

    She fears she’ll make a terrible mistake with a client’s chart and make a wrong prediction. That would destroy her reputation and her practice.

    She fears her skills as an astrologer won’t help her prevent another disaster, like the death of her fiancé.
    And she fears if she keeps sticking her nose in crime, she’ll die young. Then she thinks, maybe that’s better than being alone and the last one left on earth.

    She fears she’ll find out her parents weren’t the wonderful people her grandmother claims they were. And most of all, she is still terrified of driving across the Bay Bridge.

    Is that 10? Oh, not quite. One more thing — she absolutely loves bitter-sweet dark chocolate!
    I hope you’ll get to know Julia even better in the books of the Zodiac Mysteries and tag along with her on her crime-solving adventures. Don’t worry, she’s not going to talk about her fears, she’ll be following the clues and tracking down a murderer! And hopefully entertaining you.

     

    Catch Up With Connie On:
    Website, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook!

     

    Tour Participants:

    Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!


     

    ENTER TO WIN:

    This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Connie di Marco. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on July 16, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Void where prohibited.

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    Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

     

    SELECTED by J. Allen Wolfrum (Review & Giveaway)

    SELECTED by J. Allen Wolfrum
    Genre: Political Thriller
    Published by Indie
    Publication Date: Dec. 8, 2017
    ISBN13: 9781981498970
    ISBN: 1981498974
    Pages: 326
    Review Copy From: Author
    Edition: TPB
    My Rating: 5 stars

    **Stop by tomorrow for Q&A with J. Allen Wolfrum**

    Synopsis (via GR)

    Former Army helicopter pilot, Susan Turner is Selected as the next President of the United States. In order to avoid a nuclear war, she must overcome personal demons and learn to navigate the murky waters of international diplomacy.

    Five years ago, the Dove Revolution changed the political structure of the United States. The President, Senate, and Congress are no longer elected by the public, they are Selected at random every two years.

    A shadow organization known only as The Board, advances their sinister agenda by taking advantage of their anonymity and Susan’s tendency to make brash decisions. Blackmail, espionage and murder are all in play as The Board manipulates geo-political events to spark a war between the Soviet Union and the United States.

    With the help of her former Squadron Commander, General LeMae, Susan Turner attempts to lead the nation through these turbulent times while battling her own internal demons. Susan is a battle-hardened war veteran but she must learn what it takes to be a world leader. Nuclear war and the future of the human race hang in the balance.

    Even when the President is selected at random, politics is still a dirty business. Opponents plan their attacks from the shadows, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.

    My Thoughts

    This hasn’t happened in a while:
    Debut novel + 100% engrossing + read in one sitting = 5 stars!!

    Democracy is no longer in America. It’s now The Dove Revolution, where the President, Senators and Congressmen are selected for a 2 year term. And Susan Hunter, former Army Lt. Col. has been selected to be the next President of the United States. A great honor but she is going to decline, that is, up to the last minute, when she accepts the position. However, The Board of Pacific International, a conglomerate of big companies interested in Eastern European manufacturing, raw material, and transportation have bigger plans and one of them is to use Susan Hunter as collateral damage without her knowledge.

    The world is watching as the U.S. and the Soviet Union teeter on war as highly sensitive documents are leaked and attacks on U.S. soil are unleashed. Are the Soviets behind the bombings? Are the documents false? Can President Hunter prevent a nuclear war? Or are those that are behind the bombings succeed in their plan?

    A riveting story that I could not put down! At times, I found myself holding my breath due to the heightened missions described! This book was one hell of an intense read! Powerful!

    I am hoping, hint, hint Mr. Wofrum, that a sequel is on the horizon! I will be looking for more work by this author! Recommend? Absolutely!!! I’m sure, like me, you will be captivated!

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    Giveaway:

    This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for J. Allen Wolfrum. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on July 1, 2018 and runs through September 1, 2018. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

    This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
    DISCLAIMER

    I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
    No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
    ADDENDUM

    I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.