Thursday, May 31, 2018

Guest Blog + Giveaway: A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale by Candace Blevins

UFI welcomes Author Candace Blevins. Thanks for Joining us!!

I’m here to celebrate the release of book four in my dark fantasy series, but I feel I should mention it’s a sister series to my urban fantasy series (seen at right). The ONLY HUMAN series takes place in the human realm, while my DARK(ish) FAERIE TALE takes place in… Faerie. The two series share some characters who spend time in both realms.

Queen Mab it also known as The Dark Queen, The Evil Queen, and The Winter Queen. She comes by all of her titles legitimately, and yet we’ve seen glimpses of a human side when she’s shown up in previous books. I wanted to explore this, and ended up exploring so much more.

Readers have compared the ending to Harry Potter and the middle to Anne Rice’s Beauty series. The reader is thrown straight into the dark, kinky, murky waters from the beginning, but we must understand rock bottom before we can climb out.

Because I believe my readers can tell you more of their experience reading than I can of what the book is about, I’ll leave you with some of the things they’ve had to say:

This story is more than relationship tangles and dark as hell kinky shenanigans. –BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme 

Taken at face value, each book can be a bit intense. Taken as a whole, it’s a really well planned journey of four souls-seeking, and there is a depth and breadth to both their individual and collective experience. –Jaycee

Candace Blevins is the best at storytelling, she took us on quite a journey, the growth of these characters was enlightening. There are consequences for your actions. –Evita 

What I liked most about the sex was that it enhanced the story, it didn't become the story. –Kristi 

From the very beginning, I think the story was about growth, about evolving. Knowing the risks and still taking that step. Slave, Queen, Lady, Prince, Man, and Woman. Each had their story, their personality to grow into, and they did so beautifully.  –Daria 

This whole series has been about the journeys we take in life to become our true selves. –Vickie Brown
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Candace Blevins has published more than thirty-five books. She lives with her husband of twenty years and their two daughters. When not working or driving young teens all over the place, she can be found reading, writing, meditating, or swimming. The family’s beloved, goofy, retired racing greyhound is usually at her side as she writes, quietly keeping her company.

Candace writes Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary BDSM Romance, and a kick-ass Motorcycle Club series.

Her urban fantasy series, Only Human, gives us a world where weredragons, werewolves, werelions, three different species of vampires, and a variety of other mythological beings exist.

Candace's two paranormal romance series, The Chattanooga Supernaturals and The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club, are both sister series to the Only Human series, and give some secondary characters their happily ever after.

Her contemporary Safeword series gives us characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work. Each couple in the Safeword series gives the reader a different take on the lifestyle.

You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com and feel free to friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/candacesblevins and Goodreads at goodreads.com/CandaceBlevins. You can also join facebook.com/groups/CandacesKinksters to get sneak peeks into what she's writing now, images that inspire her, and the occasional juicy teaser.

Stay up to date on Candace’s newest releases, and get exclusive excerpts by joining her mailing list at http://bit.ly/cb-new-release

Find Candace and her books
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 Slave
A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale #1
Books2Read
Because you're never too old for Faerie Tales...

Halflings born in the human realm can stay if they can pass for human, but a baby with bright red and yellow hair, pointed ears, glowing green eyes, and swirled purple and green nails had to be relocated. With no family in Faerie to claim her, the newborn was auctioned off as a slave.

In Faerie, slaves are property with no rights. The baby is now an adult, and has been given in tribute to The Winter Queen.

Queen Mab has worked hard to make everyone in Faerie fear her, but her new pleasure slave enjoys the kiss of her whip. Can the Dark Queen have a tender side? The Dragon King once loved her, after all, so there has to be more to her than the evil, ruthless queen we've seen so far.

Climb aboard and experience the best and worst the Winter Queen can dish out.


Slave is book one in the Dark(ish) Faerie Tale quadrilogy. The series takes place within the greater Kirstin O'Shea universe, but can be read without being familiar with the other books and series.
Book Trailer https://youtu.be/Ei1XLs2qz_o

Excerpt:

Chapter One
Queen Mab
 
For every season, there are positives and negatives. Today is the summer solstice, and I’m miserable in the heat. Plus, my sister is Queen of Faerie during the summer.
From here on out, the days will grow shorter, and the time of my reign draws nearer. Come the fall equinox, I’ll be the ruling Queen once more, and my days will be filled with the duties of running the queendom.
However, for the time being, I had the luxury of spending all the time I wanted in my dungeons, and I was fully taking advantage of the long days — there are so many people to torture and play with in the bowels of my castle.
I’d acquired the former Eagle King as a result of a horse trade a while back, and was still having great fun with him, but I’d been informed we had a new pleasure slave — paid to me in tribute by a wealthy businessman — and she’d been put into a holding room so I could personally handle her intake process.
Prisoners are fun to punish, but the rare pleasure slave who’s been trained to enjoy torture is a special treat. I’d seen the paperwork on this girl, and based on her previous owners and trainers, I had hopes she might prove a nice diversion.
I was informed she seemed a nervous wreck, so I went to the holding room instead of having her brought to the throne room. I brought another slave with me, one who’d record the new slave’s answers and any notes I wanted put into the girl’s file.
Contrary to what most probably think of the Wicked Winter Queen, I don’t make a habit of abusing my slaves just because I can. I’d whipped this particular stenographer slave once when she was rude to a business associate, and I’d assigned her to dishwashing duty in the kitchens for a month when she zoned off while on the job, but the girl’s been with me nearly fifteen years and those are the only two times she’s been punished.
My first view of the new little pleasure slave sent tingles through my magic. She was a little slip of a thing and strikingly beautiful. Someone had put her into my preferred inspection pose — feet a little wider than shoulder width, perfect posture, eyes straight ahead, fingers laced at the back of her head. She still held it beautifully, and her arms didn’t appear to be shaking.
Some slaves hold their position when I enter, but most prostrate themselves. Neither choice earns reprimand or punishment at this stage, but I was intrigued she’d chosen to follow orders over protocol.
Whether she’d been naked when she arrived or had been stripped to nothing by my guards, I didn’t know. I wasn’t certain of her most recent owner’s slave protocols for travel, but the Master he purchased her from wouldn’t have permitted clothing at any time, nor would her original owner, where she was raised and trained.
I walked in a circle around her, observing. She didn’t break posture. Didn’t move a millimeter, other than to breathe. Her nails were swirled purple and green, her red hair had streaks of gold, and her eyes practically glowed green. I circled her a few more times, and noted her toenails matched her fingernails. I’d need to double-check to be sure the familial searches had been done.
My new slave had enough muscle I knew she’d be able to handle what I doled out, but was soft enough she’d still be fun to play with. I couldn’t wait to see her flawless white ass with streaks of red from a strap, and then dotted with smaller streaks from a flogger. However, she was too thin for my tastes, and I made a mental note to check later to see if this was her natural size, or whether her food intake had been severely restricted.
“What’s your name?”
A deeper breath, so she’d have enough air to speak, but she answered quickly, her eyes still straight ahead without looking at me. “My original owner called me seven-sixty-three, Ma’am. The Master I just came from called me little one.”
Before I slapped the shit out of the girl for her impertinence, I asked, “Do you know who I am?”
“No, Ma’am?”
Her voice wavered and her arms finally shook a little. The poor thing was scared shitless, and I was about to terrify her even more, whether I wanted to or not. I softened my voice and said, “You address me as my Queen or Your Majesty, Little One.”




 Lady
A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale #2
Books2Read
Even the Dark Queen can’t change destiny.

Tabitha has so much to learn about living with a family, and she makes her grandfather and cousins terribly uncomfortable when she doesn’t fit in. She was punished for looking free people in the eyes all her life, so it’s understandable she has trouble learning to maintain eye contact. And making decisions is impossible — from what she wants for breakfast, to when she’s tired enough for bed, and everything in between.

Her grandfather’s horses don’t judge, and working with them finally helps her begin to find a path towards figuring out this new life, where clothes must be worn all day, every day.

Just when she’s resigned herself to this life and is certain she’ll never enjoy sex again, an invitation arrives to attend one of the Winter Queen’s balls — along with a fancy gown that raises more questions than answers.

Lady is book two in the Dark(ish) Faerie Tale quadrilogy, and should be read in the correct order.


Consort
A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale #3
Books2Read
We don’t get to choose our lives, we only get to live them as they’re handed to us.

Mab wanted Tabby to get comfortable with life at the castle before being stressed with the responsibilities of Consort, but Prince Rowan’s timetable means some decisions must be made sooner rather than later.

Mab’s a rip-the-bandage-off kind of Queen, which means Tabby and Rowan aren’t in for an easy time.

Most people are terrified when they find themselves at the mercy of The Dark Queen.

Consort is book three in the Dark(ish) Faerie Tale quadrilogy, and should be read in the correct order.

Queen
A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale #4
Books2Read
Life can take some complicated paths to get you where you need to be.

Prince Rowan can’t live in Mab’s castle forever. If he has any chance of holding onto his title and one day being King, he’ll need a wife and heirs, and he’ll have to live in his own castle, in his own demesne.

Mab is finally confident of her place in Tabby’s heart, so she isn’t jealous of the pain and sorrow her little one feels at the loss of Rowan.

It’s up to Mab and Rowan to find a way to hold their threesome together despite the political minefields in their way. Can they do it by making it a foursome?

Princess Tabitha has been slave, Lady, and Consort. She never wanted more, but sometimes destiny makes your choices for you.

Don’t miss the exciting conclusion to Tabby’s story!

Queen is book four in the Dark(ish) Faerie Tale quadrilogy, and should be read in the correct order.


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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Promo: The Hunt for an Alpha Blog Tour (@njwaltersauthor, @HVLong, @entangledpub)


BITTEN UNDER FIRE 
by Heather Long
Link 

Bianca Devlin’s work is her life. Now, she’s finally taking a vacation…and guerillas hit her resort to kidnap a diplomat’s son. She does the only thing that makes sense—intervene to save the child’s life. Being dragged into the jungle with a scared kid she’s determined to protect was definitely not how she saw this trip ending.

After she returns to Texas, the last person Bianca expected to see was Sergeant Carlos “Cage” Castillo, the member of Bravo Team WOLF that helped rescue her. Nevertheless, there he is, living across the street from the house she just bought. The coincidence is alarming, but she has to admit, his presence isn’t entirely unwanted.

But there’s something off about Cage—the way he can move without a sound or the weird way his eyes seem to almost glow at times. And how can Bianca manage her growing attraction, when everything she knows about him and his reason for being there, turns out to be a lie?
Excerpt:

Cottonmouth and cracked lips woke Bianca. Her eyelids weighed a ton, and her knuckles burned. Then the twinges along her back added insult to injury. Awareness following discomfort, Bianca jerked as her eyes opened. Beeping machines, a hiss of oxygen, dim lighting, and a swaying sensation all surrounded her.
“Hello there,” an unfamiliar voice greeted her. The woman who appeared in her line of sight wore a uniform, her blonde hair perfectly tucked and pinned. “I’m Corpsman McGinnis, and you’re aboard the USS Seahawke. Do you know your name?”
“Bianca,” she began, but the word came out strained and choked. Coughing, she closed her eyes and grimaced.
“Easy, take a sip of this,” Corpsman McGinnis said, then a straw touched Bianca’s lips. It took a moment to remember how to suck up the water. The cold liquid flooded her mouth like manna from heaven.
She wanted to sigh, but she took several small gulps before the corpsman removed the straw.
“Bianca Devlin.” She managed to state her full name; it still came out in broken syllables and a strained voice. Bianca wasn’t sure what hurt more, her ears or her throat. “I’m a US Aid Worker, identification number four-foxtrot-Charlie-four-five-five.”
“Well, that’s helpful, Ms. Devlin, thank you. You were rescued. You’ve been aboard for about ten hours…”
“Collin.” Bianca tried to sit up, and the aches in her back turned to real lances of agony. She gripped the metal railings of the bed to hold herself up even as the corpsman tried to ease her down. “There was a little boy…Collin.”
“He’s safe.”
A deep, masculine tone wrapped around her, soothing her agitation and jerking her attention from the female corpsman to the hatchway of the ship’s infirmary. The man had to turn sideways to enter. Broad shoulders, thick arms, a huge chest, and a square jaw with a hint of a dimple in his cheek when his lips softened into a hint of a smile… He was gorgeous.
“We got both of you out.”
Sagging with relief, Bianca let the corpsman ease her back into the hospital rack. Exhaustion swarmed her muscles and she closed her eyes. “Thank God.”
“Well, actually, my name is Carlo—my friends call me Cage.” A hint of humor softened his deep baritone and she resisted the urge to laugh.
“Please don’t flirt with me, not when I have no idea what my hair looks like and it tastes like something died in my mouth.” It came out far more a groan than she cared to admit, but his soft chuckle offered a boost.
“Fair enough. I’ll save my flirting for later.” Easy acceptance of her rejection scored him some points.



About Heather:

USA Today bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime.

From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family.

She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.

Heather is best known for her 18-book paranormal romance series Wolves of Willow Bend, which begins:

Prequel: Wolf at Law
1: Wolf Bite
2: Caged Wolf
3: Wolf Claim
3.5: Wolf Next Door
4: Rogue Wolf
5: Bayou Wolf
6: Untamed Wolf

Heather's other fantasy romance series include the paranormal westerns Fevered Hearts starting with Marshal of Hel Dorado, Black Hill Wolves which start with What a Wolf Wants, Witches of Mane Street, Mongrels, and the Bravo Team WOLF series.

Her contemporary romance series include: Always a Marine, Going Royal, Elite Warriors, The Love Thieves, beginning with Catch Me and Lone Star Leathernecks, beginning with Semper Fi Cowboy.
Heather is well-represented in fantasy with her her superhero series Boomers, a sci-fi western called Space Cowboy Survival Guide, an urban fantasy series called the Chance Monroe Adventures, and a stand-alone ghost novel titled Haunt Me.

Find Heather and her books
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WOLF OF HER OWN 
Salvation #9
by N.J. Walters
Link

Mikhail Matheson came to Salvation for his sister, but he stayed for Elise LaForge. She’s the alpha’s mother and the most fascinating woman he’s ever laid his eyes on. He’s wanted her from the first moment he saw her. He may feel like an outsider in the pack, but there’s no way he can leave when he’s sure Elise is his mate.

Elise’s made a home in North Carolina with her adult sons and their pack. It’s taken her a long time to get over the years she spent with her abusive mate, and while she’s content now, she can’t help but feel there’s something missing in her life. Mikhail stirs emotions in her she never expected to feel, and the attraction between them is off the charts. But Elise’s not sure how her sons and the pack will react, not to mention the danger the pack is facing.
Excerpt:


You’re a very sensual woman, whether you realize it or not”

“I really don’t know how to respond to that.”

“You don’t need to. It was an observation. I like watching you.”

“I know. That’s what caused the problem at lunchtime.” The reminder brought them both back to reality, and she pulled away.

Mikhail pushed to his feet and sat on the sofa next to her. “I’ll try to control myself in public. How about that?”

She rubbed her hand over the sofa, roughing and then smoothing the fabric. “That’s not fair to you.”

“Okay, then, how about I control myself in public until you’re more used to me, more able to handle me.”

She snorted. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to handle you.”

Her teasing delighted him. “What can I say? I’m more than a handful.” The sexual innuendo wasn’t lost on Elise. Her cheeks turned the most delicate shade of pink, and he could see a teasing glint in her eyes.

“I wouldn’t know anything about that.”

He sat back against the sofa and spread his arms wide across the back. “Want to find out?”

Mikhail held his breath, wondering if he was pushing her too hard, too fast. He thought she might be a lot more ready than she thought she was. Of course, that could be pure wishful thinking on his part.

“No pressure,” he assured her. “What do you want to do?”

Elise had never had the opportunity to discover herself as a woman. He had a feeling that once she’d embraced the sensual, sexual side of her personality, he was the one who was going to have his hands full.

He couldn’t wait to face the challenge.

“I can touch you. You can touch me. Whatever you want. And it only goes as far as you’re comfortable. It’s all up to you, baby.”

Elise came up on the sofa beside him. His heart pounded in his ears, and he locked his hands around the top of the sofa to keep from reaching for her.

She studied him with her direct golden gaze so reminiscent of her older son’s. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

“I do.” Even if it kills me. He hadn’t felt this out of control since he was a young man.

Then she shocked him by swinging her leg over his lap so she was sitting facing him. “Then touch me.”




About N.J. Walters: 

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Find N.J. and her books
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Monday, May 28, 2018

Early Review: Heart of Fire by Lisa Edmonds

Heart of FIre
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Publisher: City Owl Press
Alice Worth Book #2
ASIN:   B07B77GNVT
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Author

Join Alice. Private Investigator of the Supernatural.
 

It has been a rough month for mage private investigator Alice Worth. 
 
Alice hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in weeks, her relationship with werewolf Sean Maclin is on the rocks, a federal agent hounds her every step, and a powerful vampire whose ulterior motives have ulterior motives watches her every move. It’s enough to drive any woman to drink.

Just when Alice's ghost sidekick Malcolm is about to stage an intervention, her former employer, Mark Dunlap, enlists her help to find out who’s been kidnapping women off the streets. As the list of the missing grows, the city’s anger turns against the vampires, and the Vampire Court hires Mark and Alice to find those responsible. After the case reunites her with Sean, Alice is forced to confront painful demons from her past, as well as the very real demon who wants her dead and the vampire determined to control her power.

When tragedy strikes close to home and a friend’s life hangs in the balance, Alice goes up against the most powerful adversary she’s ever faced in an explosive showdown that will leave Alice and her city forever changed.

The Alice Worth series quickly turned into a must-read series for me.

Alice is growing away from the loner she was when we first met her. She is still guarded and wary of accepting help, but she is slowly opening herself up to others. We continue to learn more about her past and unfortunately her past is slowly creeping closer to her new life. As soon as you think you have a handle on what she can do, another level of power is revealed. She truly is a bad-ass and it's amazing to witness what she can do.

Although I found HEART OF FIRE to have a bit of a slow pace at times, I still couldn't put it down. There is plenty of action and mystery involved to keep your mind in the book. I really enjoy the secondary characters in this series. Malcolm is a great partner and is always willing to be there even when Alice pushed him away. Sean has his alpha issues, but I still enjoy his contributions to Alice's life. I think I will always be on the fence about Charles. His motives are always a bit of a mystery and I just can't trust him.

As with book one, I didn't want to stop reading when the book ended. I look forward to seeing what book three will bring to the table.

I gave it 5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Week in Review: 5/20-5/26



Books Received for Review

Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Books I've Read

Stray Magic by Kelly Meding
It's a Charmed Life by Selene Charles
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Consort of Thorns by Eva Chase

Reviews Posted

Onyx and Ivory by Mindee Arnett
Joan the Made by Kristen Pham

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

* Monday- Cover Reveal for Relegation by Karri Thompson

* Friday- Promo + Giveaway for Avenged by a Highland Laird by Sky Purington

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?

You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.
 

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

Friday, May 25, 2018

Promo + Giveaway: Avenged by a Highland Laird by Sky Purington


Avenged by a Highland Laird
The MacLomain: A New Beginning #4
Amazon

Laird Bryce MacLeod will do anything to see Scotland’s history saved. Even if it means chasing down Jessie, a twenty-first century lass who might very well be his enemy. What he discovers when he catches her, however, is someone with deep, dark secrets and unanticipated intentions. Hidden truths so remarkable a whirlwind adventure through time begins.

First, they find themselves in league with Angus Óg MacDomhnaill, Lord of the Isles, a noble Scottish captain rumored in some circles to be a pirate. Danger and intrigue abound as they help the Scots capture three English supply ships and deliver their cargo to the Scottish army. As they do and more mysteries are unveiled, attraction ignites and roars to life.

Caught in the throes of newfound passion, they finally join King Robert the Bruce and face off with the English once more at the Battle of Byland Moor. Yet there’s another enemy as well. An evil whose sole purpose is meant to test their hearts in a way neither saw coming. An enemy determined to rip Jessie away from Bryce forever. Will the power of love be strong enough in the end? Or will the curse that threatens Scotland be too much to overcome?   

Find out in Avenged by a Highland Laird, the epic conclusion of The MacLomain Series: A New Beginning. 

 Excerpt:

She didn’t miss the flash of disappointment in his eyes before he managed a small nod and held out his hand. “Aye then, lass, step around me.”
Jessie clenched her teeth, disappointed that the small bridge they had built was so swiftly knocked down. That he was so quick to dislike her again. But that wasn’t to be worried about right now.
Well aware time was running out, she carefully turned, so she was facing the wall, took his hand, and began moving. Step by step, she made her way along the ledge to the point where they would have to share a space.
She met his pale golden eyes and tried to ignore the flustered way they made her feel. “Are you ready for me to pass?”
“I am,” he lied.
She could tell by his guarded expression he was nowhere near ready. Not because he was a coward but because he was aware of his effect on her. More so, how much he liked it. His wariness had nothing to do with plummeting to their death but allowing her close enough that she could pass. Feeling the heat of her skin.
So a bridge might have been knocked down, but something else was taking its place. She worked to steady her breathing at the quickly escalating attraction between them. Now was most certainly not the time.
Yet she had known this would likely happen, didn’t she? That it would be unavoidable. At least for her. How else could it be considering the secrets she still kept? Secrets she was foolish enough to have thought she could keep from him for his own safety. But then she had very little real-life practice when it came to attraction. Especially the sort she felt being so close to Bryce. He was the real thing and far more then she anticipated.
However, now definitely wasn’t the time for a chat about deep dark secrets that would only upset him further.
They needed to keep moving.
Though tempted to close her eyes so she didn’t drown in those piercing golden orbs of his again, she kept them open and made her move. With her hand braced on the left side of his waist, she began moving along the front of him. She was halfway across and directly in front of him when he touched the side of her waist, lowered his lips close to her ear and whispered, “Dinnae move, lass.”
His words floated through her mind. “There is a stranger standing across the way.”
“I feel him,” she responded as her eyes rose to his. “He doesn’t see us yet.”
Though she thought it was her breath that caught when they’re eyes met, it might have been his. Alarmed by the impact of being this close, she nearly teetered back, but his arm slipped around and pulled her even closer.
Unable to breathe at all now, she didn’t look away. She couldn’t if she wanted to. “Let me go, and I’ll hide us without him knowing.”
Unmistakable heat gathered in his eyes. Heat and desire he warred to contain, but she saw it…then she felt it as his arm tightened. The pale gold flecks in his thickly lashed eyes only grew brighter with curiosity. While she could tell herself that he simply wondered how she would get them out of this, she knew better. His curiosity was entirely focused on the strong chemistry between them.
Despite the waterfall’s intense spray and the fact an enemy could very well be staring at them right now, she was human enough to get caught up in what was happening between them. How it felt to finally be pressed against his long, hard body.
To finally lay her hands on the physical form of someone she had known for so long.
“No,” she whispered, suddenly frightened as heat swept through her. “Not now. Not yet.” She swallowed hard and shook her head, suddenly lost in memories. No matter how real this might be, she had long trained herself that she couldn’t trust lustful feelings when it came to him. That she should not indulge in them. “Let me go. Please.”
Though her response could simply be that of a woman choosing to reject what flared between them, he seemed to sense there was more to it. His arousal turned to protectiveness as his brow furrowed in determination and his grip tightened ever so slightly. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was inherently responding to her past. To those moments he was so much a part of without ever knowing.





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Sky Purington is the bestselling author of nearly forty novels and novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth, and legend. When combined with a love for history, romance, and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington. Interested in keeping up with Sky’s latest news and releases? Either visit Sky’s website, www.SkyPurington.com, subscribe to her quarterly newsletter or sign up for personalized text message alerts. Simply text 'skypurington' (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121 or visit Sky’s Sign-up Page. Texts will ONLY be sent when there is a new book release. Readers can easily opt out at any time.

Love social networking? Find Sky on Facebook and Twitter.

Find Sky and her books
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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Review: Onyx and Ivory by Mindee Arnett

Onyx and Ivory
Release Date: May 15, 2018
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN:  0062652664
ISBN13: 9780062652669
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Edelweiss

They call her Traitor Kate. It’s a title Kate Brighton inherited from her father after he tried to assassinate the high king years ago. Now Kate lives as an outcast, clinging to the fringes of society as a member of the Relay, the imperial courier service. Only those most skilled in riding and bow hunting ride for the Relay; and only the fastest survive, for when dark falls, the nightdrakes—deadly flightless dragons—come out to hunt. Fortunately, Kate has a secret edge: she is a wilder, born with magic that allows her to influence the minds of animals. But it’s this magic that she needs to keep hidden, as being a wilder is forbidden, punishable by death or exile. And it’s this magic that leads her to a caravan massacred by nightdrakes in broad daylight—the only survivor her childhood friend, her first love, the boy she swore to forget, the boy who broke her heart.

The high king’s second son, Corwin Tormane, never asked to lead. Even as he waits for the uror—the once-in-a-generation ritual to decide which of the king’s children will succeed him—he knows it’s always been his brother who will assume the throne. And that’s fine by him. He’d rather spend his days away from the palace, away from the sight of his father, broken with sickness from the attempt on his life. But the peacekeeping tour Corwin is on has given him too much time to reflect upon the night he saved his father’s life—the night he condemned the would-be killer to death and lost the girl he loved. Which is why he takes it on himself to investigate rumors of unrest in one of the remote city-states, only for his caravan to be attacked—and for him to be saved by Kate.

With their paths once more entangled, Kate and Corwin have to put the past behind them. The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime.

ONYX AND IVORY started out strong, but slowed down and lost some of my excitement thereafter.

I honestly liked the characters in ONYX AND IVORY. Kate's story quickly drew me in and I really wanted her to come out on top after all that she had been through. Corwin had a few annoying moments, but he had some good growth throughout the book. The romance between the two was slow, but I enjoyed learning about their past and friendship.

I found a few things lacking in ONYX AND IVORY. The world building wasn't fantastic. I felt like I would have gotten more into things if I knew a bit more about the world. The plot didn't totally draw me in, there wasn't really anything that made it stand out among other books in its genre and I found the pace too slow at times. Let's talk about the ending, it was very quick and a little confusing. I really wanted it to blow me away, but it didn't.

I am a bit on the fence about if I would read more if this was a series. I feel like things were left open in a few spots and there could be another book, but I wouldn't be disappointed if there wasn't.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Review: Joan the Made by Kristen Pham

Joan the Made
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
Throwbacks Book #1
ASIN:   B079B2RF82
Genre: Young Adult SciFi
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

On Joan Fasces' eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she is cloned from the famous Joan of Arc. But being cloned in America comes at a steep price. Segregated and oppressed, clones are forced to act as docile servants to the rest of the Evolved population.

Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.

JOAN THE MADE didn't really jump out at me and say READ ME, but I was intrigued enough with the blurb that I thought I should give it a shot. I had no problem getting into the story once I started reading.

I thought the clone concept was super interesting and it was shocking to see how this world treats them. Joan grew up thinking she was evolved but finds out she is a throwback on her 18th birthday. EVERY dream and plan she had was thrown out the window. I liked Joan. She of course goes through a stage of 'why the heck me', but she takes to her new fate and uses it to her advantage.

There is a little bit of romance in JOAN THE MADE. It is nothing to write home about, but it is there. The ending really threw a wrench in a few things. I have a few theories that I can't share due to spoilers, but these theories make me interested to read more and find out if they will come to pass.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Cover Reveal: Relegation by Karri Thompson


Relegation
The Van Winkle Project #3
Release Day: June 4, 2018
Add it on Goodreads
The end is near—and I’m fated to save humanity.

I’m feared, yet revered. The presidents are leery of me, but I’ve read the files. And I know the truth—at least, I think I do. And I’m the one who is going to tell the clones. They deserve to know.

Michael and I have been forced to fight, to kill. We’ll do anything to keep our daughters safe and free. But we can’t do it alone. There’s a rumor about a secret society eager for battle… and we’re going to find them. Help them end the government’s corruption.

It’s my duty, my calling as the first mother of the new world I want to create.

This started with me, and that’s where it’s going to end.
 
Haven't started the series yet? Check out the first book, Mirror X!

Purchase on Amazon
Purchase on iBooks
Purchase on B&N
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Growing up in San Diego, California, Karri Thompson spent much of her years at the beach, reading novels, tanning, and listening to music. At SDSU, she earned a BA in English, MA in education, and her teaching credential. As a wife, mother, and high-school English teacher, she began writing novels, giving all of the compelling plots and unique characters in her head a home. Victorian literature rocks her socks, and when she’s not writing, jogging, going to concerts, or watching her son play football, she’s reading Dickens.

Find Karri and her books
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Sunday, May 20, 2018

Week in Review: 5/13-5/19



Books Received for Review

Stray Magic by Kelly Meding

Books I've Read

Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill
Whisper by Lynette Noni
Prisoner of the Crown by Jeffe Kennedy

Reviews Posted

Shades of Midnight by Debbie Cassidy

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

* Monday- Promo + Giveaway for A Fistful of Frost by Rebecca Chastain

* Wednesday- Promo for Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon

* Friday- Guest Blog + Giveaway for Everything Under the Sun by Jessica Redmerski

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?

You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.
 

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