Review: Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Blood Rites
Author:Quinn Loftis
Release Date: November 19, 2011
The Grey Wolves Book #2
Genre:Paranormal YA Romance
Review Copy Source: Author

With the challenge complete and the corrupt Alpha of Coldspring defeated Fane is now free to complete the mate bond with Jacque and perform the Blood Rites. Although the challenge is done, the affects are far reaching. Once it is known that Vasile, one of the strongest Alphas in the world is in America, specifically Coldspring, TX, there is one Alpha who cannot over look the significance of this. An Alpha who happens to share Jacque's DNA, but is this the one she needs to fear?

With her mom driving and her two best friends, Jen and Sally in tow, Jacque sets off for her happily ever after. She will soon realize a plan has been put in motion that will change her course and possibly tear her from Fane's grasp forever. It will take a wolf pack, her mother's love, her two best friend's unrelenting determination, her own will to survive and the undying love of her mate to bring her home. The question remains, if she fights, if she endures, who will she be, what will be left once she is back in her mates arms?

I wish I would have known that BLOOD RITES was book 2 before I read it. There were some parts that I was scratching my head wondering what they were talking about or or wishing I had some back story to go with some information and now I'm sure it was all in book 1 but alas I started reading book 2 with no background. While you can definitely enjoy BLOOD RITES without it I would probably read book 1 if you have the chance. (ha who am I to talk, I still didn't go back and read book 1 after I found out about it lol)

I was a little skeptical on whether or not I would enjoy BLOOD RITES going in to it. I wasn't crazy about the cover and I didn't know there was a book 1 so the blurb didn't really grab at me, but I'm glad I decided to give it a chance. Quinn's writing style flowed nicely, was easy to follow, and was easy to get into. Even though her characters were young and being mated everything was well explained at a Young Adult level while still being filled with romance and sticky situations. Fane and Jacque fit well together and were easy to like. I loved all the secondary characters. Jacque's best friends provided plenty of humor and support, while the little side love hate relationship between Jen and Decebel did a fantastic job of leading us to what will happen in book 3. All of the events of BLOOD RITES flowed nicely. There was plenty of conflict, heartache, action and werewolf politics to keep me on my toes as well as plenty of connection, romance and little things that made my heart melt.

Like I said before, I really wish I would have known about book 1, I'm not sure how I missed and and would have loved the back story but I still really enjoyed BLOOD RITES and would recommend it to all young adult werewolves book lovers.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

Guest Post & Giveaway: Quinn Loftis

UFI welcomes Quinn Loftis Author of Blood Rites. Thanks for Joining us!!

An Excerpt from Fane Lupei from Blood Rites, Book 2 in the Grey Wolves Series Journal.

August 24, 2010

I killed a man yesterday. A man, but also an animal. I wish I could say that I feel remorse but my wolf would have had me shred him because he dared to touch what is ours. I want to feel something about Lucas Steele's death, but I don't.

Today is the Blood Rites ceremony with Jacquelyn, and I'm more nervous about this than I was about a life and death challenge. My father says that I am blessed to have found my mate so young. Honestly, now that I know Jacquelyn, now that I have felt her, have her scent in my lungs know her, I can't imagine waiting a century or longer for her. She amazes me, captivates me, inspires me and makes me want. My wolf have never felt such peace as he does when we are with her. Her touch alone is like a cool breeze across my skin on the hottest of days. I expressed my fears to my mother about making Jacquelyn happy, about the depth of the love I feel for her when I have only known her for such a short time. But she assured me that as her true mate I alone can complete Jacquelyn's soul. Just as only she can complete mine. I can say that at no other time in my life have I been happier to be a Canis Lupis, to have one perfect match that shines light into the darkest part of me. Have you ever just wanted to scream at the top of your lungs because there was so much emotion filling you that it had nowhere else to go but out? I want nothing more than to have my mate in my arms this moment, but she wants to spend the day with her friends. I am happy she has them, but I'm jealous of my time with her, especially after fearing I could lose her to another. My mother says like all male Canis Lupis I am bound for barbarism. Tonight I will show my Luna just how much of my heart she owns. Tonight I will finally make her mine. God help any who stand in my way.

Important songs from my Blood Rites Play List

1. Alone In This Bed (Framing Hanley)

2.Apologize (One Republic)

3. Be Mine (David Grey)

4. Bound to You (Christina Aguilera Sound track Burlesque)

5. Cry (Jason Walker)- Used this song when Fane is in Jacque's room alone.

6. Cut ( Plumb) -Jacque in the hands of her captive.

7. Haunted (Taylor Swift) Fane finding out about Jacque's father and what his plans are.

8. Down (Jason Walker) Scene between Decebel and Jen where we see a more vulnerable side to Jen

9. E.T. (Katy Perry) The bathroom scene with Jen

10. F**kin Perfect (Pink)

11. Fall for You (Second Hand Serenade) Blood Rites Ceremony

12. I Need You (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) The time while Fane and Jacque are separated.

13. Forever (Fireflight) The car crash, Fane and Decebel's arrival/ Decebel in the ER with Jen.

These are just a few of the songs that helped shape my story. Music is very influential on my moods so I find that if I'm having a difficult time with a particular scene the right song can make all the difference. I always love getting new song suggestions so please feel free to let me know any you recommend!

Sincerely,

Quinn Loftis

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Quinn is a 31 year old wife, mother, nurse, and writer, not necessarily in that order. She lives in beautiful North West Arkansas with her husband, son and Nora their Doberman pinscher. She loves writing, reading, and crocheting. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, favorite book(s) is Pride and Prejudice, The Alpha and Omega Series by Patricia Briggs, and the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. She loves to be silly and have fun, loves music and thinks there is no greater sound than the sound in the world than that of her little boy's laughter.

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Find Quinn and her books

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

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Blood Rites
The Grey Wolf Series

With the challenge complete and the corrupt Alpha of Coldspring defeated Fane is now free to complete the mate bond with Jacque and perform the Blood Rites. Although the challenge is done, the affects are far reaching. Once it is known that Vasile, one of the strongest Alphas in the world is in America, specifically Coldspring, TX, there is one Alpha who cannot over look the significance of this. An Alpha who happens to share Jacque's DNA, but is this the one she needs to fear?

With her mom driving and her two best friends, Jen and Sally in tow, Jacque sets off for her happily ever after. She will soon realize a plan has been put in motion that will change her course and possibly tear her from Fane's grasp forever. It will take a wolf pack, her mother's love, her two best friend's unrelenting determination, her own will to survive and the undying love of her mate to bring her home. The question remains, if she fights, if she endures, who will she be, what will be left once she is back in her mates arms?

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Winner: The Bride Wore Black Leather by Simon R. Green

Thank you to everyone who entered!!

Prize: Hardcover Copy of The Bride Wore Black Leather

The Winner chosen by Rafflecopter is.....

Early Review: Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

Silver-Tongued Devil
Author:Jaye Wells
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Publisher: Orbit
Sabrina Kane Book #4
ISBN:  0316178438
ISBN13: 9780316178433
Genre:Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Netgalley

Life is looking up for Sabina Kane. Now that her scheming grandmother is dead, the threat of war has passed and the rulers of the dark races are about to sign a treaty to ensure ongoing peace. Her relationship with sexy mage Adam Lazarus is strong and all her friends are around her. Even her magic training is progressing further than she ever expected. The only two dark spots in her otherwise settled life are her guilt over her sister Maisie's fragile mental state and Sabina's own sinking sense that she's got unfinished business with Cain, the mysterious cult leader she let get away months earlier. When a string of murders rock the New York dark races community and threatens to stall the peace negotiations, Sabina finds herself helping to find the killer. Her investigation leads her down troubling paths that have her questioning everything - and everyone - she knows. And the closer she gets to the murderer, the more Sabina realises this is one foe she may not able to kill.

A big part of the book addresses Sabina and Maisie's relationship and Maisie's issues now that she has been rescued from their maternal grandmother. Everyone is back in New York dealing with the Peace negotiations when people come up murdered in the dark races community.

I found that SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL was a lot slower then the previous books but still well paced and there was not a lot of action. There is drama between everyone throughout the book, no one is left unaffected in some way. Sabina and Adam are doing fantastic for most of the book until something that happened in a previous book comes out, I will refrain from telling you how that all turns out so not to spoil your suspense. There is some major loss which was beyond shocking and I found myself bawling my eyes out. Because of the loss some other things seem to be happening with Sabina and I cant wait to find out what they mean. Sabina has changed SO much from book 1 and it has been a great journey as she grows. There is some great lead-up to book 5 and we are not left with a ridiculous cliffhanger which is nice. I have really enjoyed Sabina's journey and I'm sad that BLUE-BLOODED VAMP will be the last book of the series but also excited to see how it ends.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Janet Lee Carey

UFI welcomes Janet Lee Carey Author of Dragonswood. Thanks for Joining us!!

One Girl. Bound by Fate. Breaks Free.

1. Did the cover match the image you had in mind for the book?

I had some images in mind and I tossed a few ideas around with my editor, Kathy Dawson. My early images had to do with the action scenes where Tess and her friends escape from the witch hunter disguised as lepers. I pictured Tess bedraggled and muddy, dressed in a dark hooded leper’s robe. Later Kathy and I discussed the kind of medieval gown Tess would wear. By then I realized we weren’t going with the leper’s robe idea. I remember asking, “Will Tess have a knife in her hand?” and Kathy saying, “I think you will be surprised by the direction this cover is going in, Janet.”

And I was surprised. Completely surprised and delighted! I never could have imagined such a stunning cover. That’s why I’m the writer and not the cover designer.

2 What was your first impression?

I thought it was brilliant. I got that tingling feeling down my arms. I raced downstairs and showed it to my family. My 24 year old son who is not easily impressed said, “Wow!”

3 How do you feel about the Dragonswood cover now?

I find myself staring at it a lot. I love the emotion it invokes. The cover doesn’t focus on the troubles Tess faces in the opening of the book; instead the designer chose to encompass the scope of the novel -- Tess’s flight from bondage to freedom. You feel her freedom in the movement of her leap, yet the background of dragon scales and storm clouds over Dragonswood add a touch of foreboding and the promise of mystery.



In a dark time when girls with powers are called witches, Tess escapes the witch hunter and hides with a mysterious huntsman until magical voices draw her deeper into Dragonswood where she learns the secret of her birth. Caught between love and loyalty, Tess chooses the hardest path of all – her own.



Painful, cathartic and cautiously hopeful; a fairy tale for those who have given up on believing in them, but still yearn for happily ever after. --Kirkus starred review

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Photo by Heidi Pettit

Find Janet and her books

Website / Twitter / Blog



 

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Winner: The Last Awakening by Rachel Firasek

Thank you to everyone who entered!!

Prize: ECopy of The Last Awakening

The Winner chosen by Rafflecopter is.....

Early Review: Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter

Raven Cursed
Author:Faith Hunter
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Roc
Skinwalker Book #4
ISBN:   0451464338
ISBN13: 9780451464330
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

The vampires of Asheville, North Carolina, want to establish their own clan, but since they owe loyalty to the Master Vampire of New Orleans they must work out the terms with him. To come up with an equitable solution, he sends an envoy with the best bodyguard blood money can buy: Jane Yellowrock.

But when a group of local campers are attacked by something fanged, Jane goes from escort to investigator. Unless she wants to face a very angry master vampire, she will have to work overtime to find the killer. It's a good thing she's worth every penny.

Jane's duties take her home to Asheville, NC in RAVEN CURSED. She is providing security for the vampires during a meeting between Vamps. As soon as she gets there, there are problems with campers being found dead which leads her to one of Molly's sister witches.  

Jane has been bad ass from day one. I have always loved how independent she is. Beast always has the best comments and reasoning's to help her along. I still have a ton of questions, I hope the next book finally puts some of those to rest. I was kinda shocked that Jane actually finally revealed what she is to someone. I really liked the "kits" (Molly's Kids) involvement in the book as well as getting to know Molly's Husband. Rick was back in the picture but by the ending I cant tell if he will be staying. Bruiser still wants a chance but I cant picture Jane being with someone that wont put her first. I cant imagine what Jane will decide to do next with her time but I cant picture her taking off and the vampires not being involved somehow. RAVEN CURSED was a great continuation of the Skinwalker series.

I gave it 4/5 stars 

New Releases Dec 25-31

Tue Dec 27

Archon: The Books of Raziel by Sabrina Benulis

Bedeviled (Dark Breed #2) by Sable Grace 

Changeling Dawn (Changeling, #3) by Dani Harper

The Demon Lover (Fairwick Chronicles, #1) by Juliet Dark, Carol Goodman

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Living Violet (The Cambion Chronicles, #1) by Jaime Reed

Magic of the Moonlight (Full Moon, #2) by Ellen Schreiber

The Mortal Bone (Hunter Kiss, #4) by Marjorie M. Liu
Shadow City (Horngate Witches, #3) by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Shadow Heir (Dark Swan, #4) by Richelle Mead
Silver-Tongued Devil (Sabina Kane, #4) by Jaye Wells

The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers by Lynn Weingarten

  Spirit Bound (Sisters of the Heart, #2) by Christine Feehan
Switchblade Goddess (Jessie Shimmer, #3) by Lucy A. Snyder

Wicked Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #5) by Linda Robertson

Happy Reading!!

Trailer: Switched by Amanda Hocking

**Available January 3, 2012**

Switched
Author:Amanda Hocking
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher:St. Martin's Griffin
Trylle Trilogy Book #1
ISBN:   1250006317
ISBN13: 9781250006318
Genre: Young Adult

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.  She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her.  Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit.  But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth:  Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.   

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening.  And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

 Useful Links:

Amanda's Website / Photo Album / Facebook

Merry Christmas

 

I hope everyone that celebrates has a wonderful Christmas day with your families and friends.

For those that don't celebrate Christmas I hope whatever holiday you do celebrate during this season was filled with joy and happiness as well.

Winners: Revenge is Sweet by Misty Evans

Thank you to everyone who entered!!

Prize: 3 Ecopy of Revenge is Sweet

The Winner chosen by Rafflecopter is.....

Week in Review 12/18-12/24

***With the Christmas Being tomorrow 12/25 and me being out of town for the Holidays, I put my Week in Review post up a day earlier then normal***

Books Ive Bought/received

*Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver- Arc- From Publisher

* By A Thread by Jennifer Estep- Arc- From Publisher

* Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead- Purchased at B&N while on vacation in Illinois because they had it early and my copy wasnt going to ship until Jan 10

Im not quite sure what else I got as I was not home to receive it booo. My mail will be delivered when I get home on Wednesday so hopefully I get some nice goodies to read.


Books I read

Living Violet by Jaime Reed
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

Reviews posted


Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis
The Last Rising by Rachel Firasek
The Last Awakening by Rachel Firasek
Wicked Circle by Linda Robertson
The Mortal Bone by Marjorie M. Liu

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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?


*Monday a promotional post and giveaway went up with Author Rachel Firaseck for her Blog Tour for her new release THE LAST AWAKENING.


* Thursday I put up a promotional post and giveaway for Simon R Green's newest book The Bride Wore Black Leather.

*If you see something on my books Ive read list that you are dying to know about let me know I'm back logged on reviews and can move it up on the list if I know people are wanting one.

* I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Early Review: The Mortal Bone by Marjorie M. Liu

The Mortal Bone
Author:Marjorie M. Liu
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: Ace
Hunter Kiss Book #4
ISBN:  1937007189
ISBN13: 9781937007188
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher


When the bond Maxine Kiss shares with the demons tattooed on her skin is deliberately severed, the demon hunter is left vulnerable and unprotected. For the first time in ten thousand years, the demons have a taste of freedom. And as the little demons grow more violent and unpredictable, Maxine starts to fear they will lose their minds without her. Reuniting won't be easy, since a greater temptation waits for these hellions: a chance to return to their lives as Reaper Kings, and unleash hell on Earth.


THE MORTAL BONE was a very quick, easy read. All of my favorite characters make an appearance at some point through out the book and as usual the crap hits the fan early on. The Boys are literally wripped off Maxine's skin and the book is a constant fight to keep them on the side of good. 

Maxine and Grant are such a cute couple. They are very protective and loving towards each other and I love watching their relationship evolve (the reaction they got from people that they were married was great to read about too). There is some great action and suspense written in. We learn some more about Maxine's father and I'm pretty excited about what that means for Maxine in the future. There was a lot of emotional stuff happening throughout the book and a lot of soul searching on Maxine and the boys parts that was interesting to see. I was a little disappointed in the way in which Maxine had to change in THE MORTAL BONE and how much she had to deal with. She was pretty much beat up on from the beginning to the end and it got to be a little much. I liked how set in being good she was in the past and she had to throw some of her morals out the window, it wasn't entirely her fault but it still sucked to read.  I liked seeing Max without the boys on her skin, I wish there had been a little different outcome of the fiasco but I can see why that wouldn't be possible and hope to see some great things happening in the next book. Things are definitely interesting at the end so even with the things I didn't enjoy I'm still liking the series as a whole and plan to continue reading. This is a series you need to start at book 1 for.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

Promotional Post & Giveaway: Simon R. Green

**Available January 3, 2011**

The Bride Wore Black Leather
Author:Simon R. Green
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Nightside Book #12
ISBN:   1937007138
ISBN13: 9781937007133
Genre: Urban Fantasy

John Taylor is marrying the love of his life, Suzie Shooter, the Nightside’s most fearsome bounty hunter. But before he can walk down the aisle he has one more case to solve as a private eye — a case that has him on the run from friends and enemies both, with his bride-to-be looking to collect the bounty on his head...

__________________________

Simon was born in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England (where he still resides), in 1955. He has obtained an M.A. in Modern English and American Literature from Leicester University and he also studied history and has a combined Humanities degree. His writing career started in 1973, when he was a student in London. His first actual sale was a story titled Manslayer, back in 1976, but it didn’t appear till much later; Awake, Awake…. was his first sale to a professional editor, in 1979. Furthermore he sold some six or seven stories to semi-pro magazines before that market disappeared practically overnight.

After years of publishers’ rejection letters, he sold an incredible seven novels in 1988, just two days after he started working at Bilbo’s bookshop in Bath (this after three and a half years of being unemployed!). This was followed in 1989 by two more, and a commission to write the bestselling novelization of the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which has sold more than 370.000 copies.

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Find Simon and his books

Website / Penguin Author Page

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FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER

Early Review: Wicked Circle by Linda Robertson

Wicked Circle
Author:Linda Roberston
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: Pocket
Persephone Alcmedi Book #5
ISBN:  145164695X
ISBN13: 9781451646955
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy source: Publisher

The fifth in the exciting urban fantasy series featuring Persephone Alcmedi, a modern-day witch with a sexy werewolf boyfriend. Persephone Alcmedi has helped her waerewolf lover Johnny unlock his powers. Now she must come to the aid of Menessos, the vampire overlord she has secretly marked. Beset by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous their own kind keep them confined in stone, he now needs her more than ever...and she realizes her need for him. Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the waeres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront, both the supernatural males in her life to balance, a dragon to deal with...and then a government investigator shows up to complicate matters.

This is a great series!! It is one of my favorite "witchy" book series. The storyline always wraps me around its finger and holds on to me until the book is over. There wasn't a lot of action like there is in the other books in the series, WICKED CIRCLE was more about information than anything else. There  is a little bit of danger but not on the scale that other installments brought. We get new shocking details about Johnny's past, Seph re-evaluates her relationships. Characters do some changing. More people are out to kill the power trio and Seph ends up saving herself from a pretty crappy situation.

There is a new interesting character introduced "Creepy", he is as you imagine creepy and I cant even begin to guess who he really is. There are a lot of secrets surrounding him, who he is, what he is, etc and his relationship to Menessos. I definitely think his involvement in the next book will be huge and I will be super shocked when more is revealed.  Oh my the ending, as if there wasn't enough drama between Johnny and Menessos before I cant imagine what they will be like after that ending. It seems like WICKED CIRCLE is the changing point for a lot of things and I wish the next book was scheduled already as it was more of a teaser and I want more.

I gave it 4/5

Review: Curse of the Phoenix #1 and #2

The Last Rising
Author:Rachel Firasek
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Curse of the Phoenix Book #1
ISBN13: 9781937044282
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours

After paying two millennia’s penance to Osiris, world-weary Phoenix Ice has had enough. Saving souls without any hope for her own redemption isn’t how she imagined spending eternity. Fed up, she decides her next death will be her last. But when she sacrifices her own life for a sexy Texan in a catastrophic plane crash, she has no idea the consequences will be so great…or that she’ll end up back in his life for her next assignment.

Now that Turner Alcott has survived the worst, finding a wife and mother for his son matters more than ever before. When the mysterious Ice comes into his life, Turner knows she’s the one—but love is the last thing Ice wants. If he wants to win her heart, Turner must teach Ice how to forgive herself, and prove that love is the ultimate sacrifice.

THE LAST RISING was a great fast read filled with emotion, romance, self-searching and self-sacrificing. From the first chapter I was gripped by the situation that Ice and Turner were put in. The characters meshed well and their development and growth throughout the story was a delight to read about. I had no troubles getting into the story I didn't want to put it down. I loved that even though it was a short read there was still so much involved in the story and so much emotion behind everything. When I read the last page I was satisfied with the ending. This is a great start to a new Paranormal Romance.

I gave it 4/5 stars

The Last Awakening
Author:Rachel Firasek
Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Curse of the Phoenix Book #2
ISBN13: 9781937044404
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours 

For three hundred years, Arabella’s life has been one meaningless death after another. In a cruel twist of fate, Osiris–god of the Underworld–gifts the phoenix her mortality and returns her voodoo magic. If she fails to harness her wayward magic and save a man worthy of a second chance, she’ll forfeit her power and her soul–forever.

Ex-soldier Greyson Meadows desperately wants to be freed from the nightmares and guilt that haunt him after the tragedy that brought him and Ari together. Confronted by the waif of a woman who forces him to face his worst fears, he resists, fighting the need to keep his personal demons hidden instead of setting them free.

When Ari becomes the target of her own magical blunder, it’s not just her life in danger, but now the one of the man she loves.

After reading THE LAST RISING and falling in love with Ice and Turner I didn't want to read about another couple but jumped into THE LAST AWAKENING anyways. The series is very unique and that alone pulls you into the story. The characters are full of depth and grow at a great pace for such short reads.

Ari was easy to like. She had no trouble going for what she wanted and she saw Greyson as being just like her, she wanted to do anything she could to help him heal. Greyson and Ari's attraction is instant and there time together was nothing short of hot. They complemented each other well and helped each other to heal. THE LAST AWAKENING like THE LAST RISING filled with emotion. I loved that the previous couple was included in book 2 and I'm excited to see which couple comes next. I once again was anything but dissatisfied when the last page ended. Ari and Greyson's story was a great addition to the series.

I gave it 4/5 stars

New Releases Dec 18-24

Tue Dec 20

Bleeding Hearts (Drake Chronicles, #4) by Alyxandra Harvey

Legacy by Molly Cochran

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne

Happy Reading!!

Promotional Post & Giveaway: Rachel Firasek

UFI welcomes Rachel Firasek Author of The Curse of the Phoenix series. Thanks for Joining us!!

The Last Awakening Excert

Grey propped himself against the inside of the door. He'd given her a few minutes alone after work while he grabbed his bag from his car. In fact, he'd spent at least a good ten convincing himself he could do this. Now, he wasn't so sure, but he would still fix her door before he left. Damn woman hadn't even locked it. He'd knocked twice and stepped inside when she didn't respond.

“Arabella?”  

No answer.  

He'd wait. Through the paper-thin wall he listened to the shower and then the light patter of dainty feet running across her room. This really was the worst apartment he'd ever seen. Worse than some of the military tents he'd lived in. 

He sat his bag beside him and tapped his fingers along the door. Any day now. Her bedroom door flew open, and she rushed out. He'd imagined her in silk pajamas with beaded nipples teasing him and begging for his taste--not the sweatshirt or the flannel bottoms. They weren't bad either and actually may have added to her
appeal--there was something highly erotic about wondering what was beneath.   

She sagged a little and dropped a hand across her chest. The smile she'd met him with slipped. “What?”

“You're beautiful.” Damn, if he didn't stop putting his foot in his mouth.

She blushed, painting her cheeks with the prettiest shade of pink before she ducked away from him. “What's in the bag?”

“You need more protection.” He pulled out his wallet and fumbled through the slots for a business card. She leaned in closer and stood on tiptoe, watching his every move. “Nosy?” 

When he handed her the card, she frowned.  

“What did you think this was?” he asked.  

She didn't answer, but her pink cheeks shouted it loud and clear.  

“Did you think I was going for a condom?”

She turned away, sank down onto her sofa, and pouted.

Surely she didn't think…nah, no way could she want…He burst into a fit of laughter. Christ, how long had it been since he'd laughed? Really laughed? She was feisty as hell. He wanted more than anything to snatch her up and carry her to her creaky bed and let Mike--and whoever else wanted to--listen through her walls as he connected with her in the basest of ways. But first, they had things to get out in the open. 

“Don't laugh at me.” 


He chuckled harder and moved closer to her. “I'm sorry to disappoint you. I brought some locks over.

Before I leave, I'll install them.” 


“You don't have to.” 


“I want to.”  

She sputtered. Her eyes sparked for a moment, and when she blinked a soft cloud covered the amber. Shit. Smoke floated across her eyes like something straight out of a B movie. He shook his head and pinched the tender skin above his brow. Damn hallucinations. He thought he was past them. “Are you okay?”

“You laugh at me and then want to know if I'm okay? Really?”

“Your eyes. I thought I…never mind.” Shut up, man, before you show her what a fucking freak you are.  

Ari spun away from him. She gathered deep breaths, stretching the muscles in her back tight. “I'll be in my room while you do whatever it is you're going to do. Come get me when you're done and can remember your manners, s'il vous plait.”  

“Ari?”

She didn't stop for him. Damn, he'd been an ass. Exactly what he said he wasn't going to do. His plan had been to fix her door. Maybe have a beer with her. Find out how she was dealing with what happened, and possibly share some of his sorrow. But he'd think twice about the drink if he was going to start seeing shit. He'd had all the flashbacks he wanted in a lifetime, but to actually start hallucinating was too much. The alcohol was screwing with his head. Might be time to cut back. 

He installed the new deadbolts and loaded his tools. The bedroom door remained shut, but the light peeked from beneath it. He crossed to knock softly on the thin wood. “Ari?” 

No answer. 

“I'm done. I'll let myself out…come lock up after me.”

Yeah, he'd screwed up and he'd be lucky if the one person he could connect with, who'd understand, ever talked to him again.      

    

Entangled Publishing / Amazon Kindle

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Rachel Firasek grew up in the South, and despite the gentle pace, she harassed life at full steam. Her curiosity about mythology, human nature, and the chemical imbalance we call love led her to writing. Her stories began with macabre war poems and shifted to enchanted fairy tales, before she settled on a blending of the two.

Today, you’ll find her tucked on a small parcel of land, surrounded by bleating sheep and barking dogs, with her husband and children. She entertains them all with her wacky sense of humor or animated reenactments of bad Eighties dance moves.

She’s intrigued by anything unexplained and seeks the answers to this crazy thing we call life. You can find her where the heart twists the soul and lights the shadows…

If you’d like to request a Kindlegraph of any of my books, please visit here! 

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Find Rachel and her books

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