Guest Post & Giveaway: Darynda Jones

UFI welcomes Darynda Jones Author of The Charley Davidson Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Thank you so much for having me today! I thought just for fun and something a little different I’d throw out some answers about the Charley Davidson series. Yep, answers. Like on Jeopardy. Then I’ll ask the questions. I’d love to know how many UFI readers guessed the questions before I posted them. See? Fun!

ANSWERS:

1. Tall, lean body with sinewy muscles, thick black hair, coffee colored eyes fringed with dark lashes. Oh, and let us not forget the ever-popular “dip in the hip.” (Okay, this one is kind of a no-brainer.)

2. Private investigator, grim reaper, all around badass.

3. A map to the gates of hell.

4. Cookie

5. Ubie

6. Brown edibles, mainly coffee and chocolate.

7. Danger and Will Robinson

8. A cherry red Jeep Wrangler

9. A skeptical skip tracer and a constant source of irritation for Charley.

10. Satan

Okay, how many did you get?

QUESTIONS:

1. What does our hero, Reyes Farrow, look like?

2. What are Charley Davidson’s occupations? (Or, well, she could have been badass had she stuck with those lessons in mixed martial arts. She was only in that class to learn to kill people with paper.)

3. What are the tattoos on Reyes’s upper torso?

4. Who is Charley’s neighbor, best friend, and receptionist, all rolled into one?

5. What is Uncle Bob’s nickname?

6. What are Charley’s favorite foods?

7. What are the names of Charley’s “girls”? (aka, her breasts)

8. Who is Misery?

9. Who is Garrett Swopes?

10. What is the name of Reyes’s REAL father?

Did you get them right? No worries if you didn’t! You can find out more in the first installment of the series. But if you’ve read FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT, I hope you’ll enjoy the second installment in Charley’s story, SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT, where she is recruited to find a missing friend of Cookie’s while dodging Garrett Swopes and struggling to find Reyes Farrow’s corporeal body before it dies, against Reyes’s wishes, naturally. It all adds up to more misery and mayhem for our little girl grim.

Thanks again for joining me here today!

~D~

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Winner of the 2009 Golden Heart® for Best Paranormal Romance for her manuscript FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT, Darynda was born spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. After the Golden Heart final, she pimped herself as best she could, landed an amazing agent and sold to St. Martin’s Press in a three-book deal. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of more than 25 years and two beautiful sons, aka the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at www.daryndajones.com.

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Find Darynda and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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First Grave on the Right

Charley Davidson #1
February 1, 2011

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an entity who has been following her all her life…and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

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 ***WARNING: MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!!!*** 
*If you have not read book one, stop now!*

Second Grave on the Left 
Charley Davidson #2
August 16, 2011

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

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Third Grave Dead Ahead
Charley Davidson #3
February 2, 2012

Summery Kept out so not to spoil book 2. You can find the summery for THIRD GRAVE DEAD AHEAD on Darynda's website =)

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Provided by UFI

Winner will receive
- One Audio Copy of Second Grave on the left
* Audio copy is opened & has been listened to once for a review

 RULES
1)  Let Darynda know how many of the Answers you got right.  =)
2) This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers only
3) Must leave an email address so I can contact you.

Giveaway Ends 8/29/2011 at 10pm EST

Winner will have 48 Hours to reply to my email or I will pick another

Winner chosen randomly with the help of random.org

Week in Review 8/14-8/20

Books Ive Bought/received

* Wins from Paranormal Haven

• Signed- My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diane Rowland
• Signed- Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
• Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

* Wins from What Book is That? and Jeannie Holmes

• Signed- Blood Law by Jeannie Holmes
• Signed- Blood Secrets by Jeannie Holmes

* Blood Sacrifice by Maria Lima- Publisher for review

* Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones- Audio Book-Publisher for review Check back for giveaway with review.


* The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay- Publisher for review

* The Taker by Alma Katsu- Arc- Publisher for review

* The Moonlight Brigade by Sarah Jane Strafford-  Publisher for review



Books I read

The Girl of Fire and Thorn by Rae Carson
Blood Sacrifice by Maria Lima
Soul Thief by Jana Oliver
The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay

Reviews posted


Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
Vanish by Sophie Jordan
One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost
Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay
Blood Sacrifice by Maria Lima
Black Night by Christina Henry

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

*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.

Review: Black Night by Christina Henry

Black Night
Author:Christina Henry
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: ACE
Black Wings Book #2
ISBN:   1937007065
ISBN13: 9781937007065
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. Of course, not everyone is happy to see her...

If obstinate dead people were all that Maddy had to worry about, life would be much easier. But the best-laid plans of Agents and fallen angels often go awry. Deaths are occurring contrary to the natural order, Maddy's being stalked by foes inside and outside of her family, and her two loves-her bodyguard, Gabriel, and her doughnut-loving gargoyle, Beezle-have disappeared. But because Maddy is Lucifer's granddaughter, things are expected of her, things like delicate diplomatic missions to other realms.

How can anyone NOT like Madeline Black and her awesome gargoyle Beezle? BLACK NIGHT continues the series with action, suspense, and fantastic characters.

I was disappointed with the non relationship between Maddie and Gabriel.  It was sorta uncomfortable to see them together with Gabriel refusing to be with Maddie. I liked getting to know JB and having him a bigger part of the story, I actually wouldn't be to disappointed if him and Madeline ended up together. We get to know Maddie's "fiance" a little better and I definitely dislike him with a passion. I really enjoyed the fairy realm portion of BLACK NIGHT and I loved the introduction of the werewolf's. I would love to see more of them in the next book.  Just like book one there is tons of action and the book is pretty fast paced. Maddie is learning to use her magic better and has to fight through some pretty nasty stuff and against some nasty people. She is turning into someone everyone will be falling over themselves to make sure she is on their side. Maddie has a chance to tell her father what she thinks and it was fantastic. Any fan of BLACK WINGS will be happy with book 2.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Early Review: Blood Sacrifice by Maria Lima

Blood Sacrifice
Author:Maria Lima
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Pocket
Blood Lines Book #5
ISBN:  1451612699
ISBN13: 9781451612691
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher 

All’s fair in blood and war. . . .
  Talk about wedding crashers from hell. Keira Kelly and her sexy vampire king, Adam, are about to tie the proverbial knot—sort of—when an uninvited blood relative shows up to cast a long, dark shadow over the happy occasion. Adam’s brother Gideon comes bearing the one-size-fits-all gift of bad news: an ancient, convoluted Challenge thrown down upon the entire Kelly clan. It seems the dreaded forces of the Dark Fae have declared war on Keira’s family, and at stake is the land that is rightfully theirs. But while the Kellys gather their troops in a historic San Antonio hotel to strategize, there’s mayhem back in Rio Seco. The old cemetery is vandalized, fires break out, and—worst of all—the Kelly clan matriarch and leader, Keira’s great-great-grandmother Minerva, goes missing. Should Keira risk breaking the Challenge rules by returning to her beloved home, or should she continue the waiting game that seems the only other option? With everything she loves and maybe even her life on the line, she has only one chance to get the answer right.

Wow when it rains it pours, everything that could go wrong seems to go wrong in book number 5 of the Blood Lines series. BLOOD SACRIFICE picks up right where BLOOD HEAT ended (within seconds really). I was shocked by the ending of BLOOD HEAT and I pretty much stayed shocked throughout the entire reading experience that was BLOOD SACRIFICE.

Disaster after disaster, family loyalty, magic, dark magic, shocking revelations, and some great action are all things that you will experience. I have enjoyed following Keira while she went through her change and finding herself the heir to the Kelly family. I have enjoyed getting to know Adam and watching their connection grow. I LOVE Keira's brother Tucker he is by far one of my favorite secondary characters of the series. I think all the characters in the book add something great to the story. I'm not sure if Maria is planning a book 6 but every single last tie or side plot is finished or resolved by the end of the book and it leaves the characters free to live happily ever after (If there is any such thing for a vampire and a Kelly). If I had a say though I would definitely say that the series could go on and I would read more.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Review: Dead on the Delta by Stacey Jay

Dead on the Delta
Author:Stacey Jay
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Pocket
Unknown Book #1
ISBN:  1439189862
ISBN13: 9781439189863
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source:  Win from RhiReading

Once upon a time, fairies were the stuff of bedtime stories and sweet dreams. Then came the mutations, and the dreams became nightmares. Mosquito-size fairies now indulge their taste for human blood—and for most humans, a fairy bite means insanity or death. Luckily, Annabelle Lee isn’t most humans. The hard-drinking, smart-mouthed, bicycle-riding redhead is immune to fairy venom, and able to do the dirty work most humans can’t. Including helping law enforcement— and Cane Cooper, the bayou’s sexiest detective—collect evidence when a body is discovered outside the fairy-proof barricades of her Louisiana town.But Annabelle isn’t equipped to deal with the murder of a six year-old girl or a former lover-turned-FBI snob taking an interest in the case. Suddenly her already bumpy relationship with Cane turns even rockier, and even the most trust-worthy friends become suspects. Annabelle’s life is imploding: between relationship drama, a heartbreaking murder investigation, Breeze-crazed drug runners, and a few too many rum and Cokes, Annabelle is a woman on the run—from her past, toward her future, and into the arms of a darkness waiting just for her. . . . 

Annabelle being one of the rare humans that are immune to Fairy venom has the dirty job of collecting evidence from crime scenes where the police can not go. Annabelle is what I would consider an alcoholic, she takes a lot of sleeping pills while trying to escape a troubled past. While working a case an ex boyfriend who was the love of her life shows up and is now working for the FBI. She has to figure out what she feels for him but she also has her new boyfriend Cane to think about all while trying to help figure out what happened to a six year old that was found murdered.

I really enjoyed the world building, everything was extremely well explained and inventive. Although Annabelle seems pretty self destructive and the addictions get in the way of her life she was a pretty interesting heroine. Her story is well told and I ended up really liking her. The secondary characters are also well told and interesting. The plot was very creative and unique, I had no issues with getting into the story and picturing everything that was happening. I enjoyed the different take on fairies that Stacey brought to the book. I think any Urban Fantasy lover will find DEAD ON THE DELTA plenty interesting and I look forward to seeing what comes next for Annabelle.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Early Review: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

One Grave at a Time
Author:Jeaniene Frost
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Avon
Night Huntress Book #6
ISBN:  0061783196
ISBN13: 9780061783197
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher 

The grave is one wrong step away.

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But how do you kill a killer who's already long dead?

My Favorite paranormal couple is back for the sixth installment of The Night Huntress series. I have loved Cat and Bones relationship from book one. They complete and compliment each other in every way.

There wasn't as much emotional relationship stuff in ONE GRAVE AT A TIME but the story was enough that I wasn't missing it TO much but will look forward to hopefully seeing it come back in book 7. Cat is still dealing with her newest borrowed ability from the ghoul queen of New Orleans so she still has a ton of ghosts following her around. An outcast ghost shows up with such a story that Cat and Bones can not help to get involved to put a bad guy away, only its not a normal bad guy, he happens to already be dead. I really loved that some of my favorite secondary characters  Denise, Spade and Ian come in to help Cat and Bones out. Someone new joins the team Tyler and I really liked him. After reading the book he seems to have found a place in the "family" of characters so I'm definitely hoping we will see him again. There was plenty of action and heart stopping moments especially towards the end and the big showdown, I don't think Jeaniene has ever failed in delivering a fantastic ending.

I only have a small idea on where the story will go from the here so I'm excited and impatiently waiting to find out. If you have not read book One in the series HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE I highly recommend you start the series. I feel that book 6 could be read by itself but you would have missed out on so much awesome reading and storytelling that I would feel extremely bad for you. The Night Huntress Series and book 6 ONE GRAVE AT A TIME are must reads.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Early Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Vanish
Author:Sophie Jordan
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Firelight Book #2
ISBN:  0061935107
ISBN13: 9780061935107
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Netgalley 

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

In the second installment of Sophie Jordan's Firelight series Jacinda is taken back to the pride. VANISH stars exactly where FIRELIGHT left off with Jacinda, her sister, mother and Cassian trying to get out of town before the hunters catch up to them. Everything is different when they return to the pride. People have changed, status' are up in the air, and everything is all around uncomfortable. Jacinda has to go against people she felt were there for her and stick up for herself way more then she has ever had to before. There are a lot of twists, turns and unexpected happenings. The Love triangle between Jacinda, Cassian and Will is at an all time high and Jacinda's emotions are all over the place. I didn't feel VANISH was a good as FIRELIGHT but it set the stage for book 3 and I feel t will blow book 1 and 2 out of the water. If you enjoyed FIRELIGHT I would definitely still pick up VANISH.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars