Review: Ardeur by Danielle Gavan

Ardeur
Author:Danielle Gavan
Release Date: August 15, 2011
Publisher: Red Hot Publishing
Abbey of Angels Book #1
ASIN:  B005HFK7SI
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours

Born a necromancer.......Sold by parents who wanted a normal child, Ardeur Lisle now hosts a demon and was trained to be a killer for hire. As an adult possessed, dreaming of escape and of a kind face from her childhood helps keep her sane.

If she breaks free from her captors, what will this new world full of paranormal beings hold for her? Ridding herself of her demon parasite will be her first priority.

A promise kept...

Brody Callaghan never forgot the angelic blonde from his childhood. After years of military service, he swears to track down the face still haunting him from his youth.

But Brody has a furry secret of his own; one unveiled with each full moon. Will the two hold onto love with danger, deception, and an obsessed angel driving them apart?

I think the decription of the book is pretty straight forward so I skip the summary part of my review.

I didn't have any troubles getting right into the story. The plot was interesting and unique. The flow had some ups and downs every once in a while but it wasn't a big issue. There are a LOT of characters in ARDEUR. It took me a little bit to figure out who was who, I got really confused when the names started popping up one right after each other. There is an index in the beginning of the book but since its an e-copy its hard to flip back and forth while your reading. As far as the main characters went. I enjoyed Ardeur and the love interest Brody. They had remembered each other over the years and their love for each other comes out instantly. There was one scene when Ardeur and Brody first found each other again that I found to be written kinda badly. The whole situation was extremely awkward, uncomfortable and just didn't mesh with the characters personalities. With the exception of that one scene I found the other scenes between the two easy to get into. The romance was steamy when it needed to be and I felt their love for each other throughout. I would have liked to see some justice done to the people that originally held Ardeur captive, I think it would have done the things she went through justice but  I very much enjoyed the ending of the book. This looks to be one of those series that will have a different set of main characters for each book so I will see which character will be up next to decide if I will continue the series. 

I gave it 3/5 stars

Week in Review 9/11-9/17

Books Ive Bought/received

* Purchased from Borders (Mine didn't close until Wed so I just had to go back)

• Concrete Angel by Yvonne Navarro
• First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
• Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
• Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall
• Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix
• Black Heart Loa by Adrian Phoenix

* Simple Touch NOOK- Bought it from Barnes and Noble. Decided to upgrade my Sony Pocket.

* BloodStone by Nancy Holzner- From Publisher for Bewitching Book Tours review.

* Blood on Silk, Blood Sin and Blood Eternal by Marie Treanor- From Publisher for Bewitching Book Tours Review

* Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance-Signed and Personalized- Win from Tyngas Reviews 

* Shadow Kin by M.J. Scott- Purchased from Barnes & Noble


Books I read

Witch Song by Amber Argyle
Eve by Anna Carey
Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
Ardeur by Danielle Gavan
Bloodstone by Nancy Holzner

Reviews posted


Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
Her Dear and Loving Husband by Meredith Allard
Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst
Dragon's Oath by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast AUDIO

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


*An Interview with author Amber Argyle went up on Tuesday.

*Wednesday a giveaway for a copy of Dreamland by Alyson Noel went up.


* Thursday Author of Her Dear and Loving Husband joined us. She is also offering up a e-copy of her book.


* Saturday with my review of Dragon's Oath by P.C. and Kristin Cast I am offering up my Audio copy to one lucky winner.

*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.

Audio Review & Giveaway: Dragons Oath by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast

Dragon's Oath
Author:P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Release Date: July 12, 2011
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
House of Night Novella #1
ISBN:  1427213909
ISBN13: 9781427213907
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Publisher

The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon’s Oath tells the story behind the House of Night’s formidable fencing instructor – the love that will transform him, and the promise that will haunt him
In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.
Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…
But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all?

My first experience with an audio book was a few weeks ago and I immediately found it interesting to hear the different emotions and scenes played out in someone else's voice. Starting with what I thought of the audio version of DRAGON'S OATH I can honestly say the speaker was very pleasant to listen to. I was able to understand everything while she was reading and was able to picture what she was saying.

I have enjoyed most of the books in the House of Night series. I feel that some of the the conflicts are starting to drag on a little to long though so it was nice to get a little breather and learn a bit about Bryon "Dragon" Lankford and Anastasia. The Novella was fast paced while it takes us on a short journey of Dragon and Anastasia's love that really helped bring me closer to these two background characters. This was a great little read (or should I say listen) and I'm glad I was able to add it to my House of Night knowledge.

I gave it  4/5 stars

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*shipped from UFI*

Winner will receive
- One Audio Copy of Dragon's Oath

 RULES
1)  Tell me what your favorite House of Night novel is. =)
2) This giveaway is open to US followers only
3) Must leave an email address so I can contact you.

Giveaway Ends 9/24/2011 at 10pm EST
Giveaway Policy and FAQ

Winner: Mortal Obligation by Nichole Chase

Thank you to everyone that entered!!

PRIZE: 2 winners will receive One e-copy of Mortal Obligation each

The winner chosen by Random.org is…

Lieder Madchen

and because my brain wasnt functioning correctly and I only picked one winner when there were 2 copies here is the other winner. 

Mina Burrows

Congrats!! I have emailed winner who has 48 hours to respond with mailing address or I will pick another.

Review: Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Drink, Slay, Love
Author:Sarah Beth Durst
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
ISBN:  1442423730
ISBN13: 9781442423732
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Author

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire... fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast -- as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do?

Pearl is a typical vampire to start out with. She enjoyes blood, joyriding in stolen cars and being evil. One night after she finishes feeding on her favorite Ice cream scooper she is staked by a unicorn through the heart. She wakes up, no one really believes her. She starts getting little good thoughts that isnt normal for her and one night she is kidnapped and stuck in a cage by some amateur vampire hunters. She fears she is about to die as the sun comes up and realizes she is still there in the sun like no vampire is supposed to be able to do. That is the start of her troubles and journey to turning good.

I enjoyed Pearl from the beginning. I just love snarky, witty people, they make me happy. The book is full of humor and creativity. Everything about it was all around unique. Really who would have thought were-unicorns and Vampires would go so great together. Evan seems to be there from the beginning, he has a huge hero complex and strives to help people out which is totally the opposite of what Pearl stands for. You can tell from the start that there is some sort of connection between Evan and Pearl although they both seem to push it off as just being friendly.  Even though Pearl's family were technically the "bad guys" I still enjoyed all the characters and their personalities. Pearl becomes an outcast because she can go into the sun but is still expected to provide the feast for the Vampire King. Her parents seem to believe in her but are also dark and mysterious and tend to be a little more scary then the rest of her family. DRINK, SLAY, LOVE had an all around great plot that kept me interested. I didn't see the twist coming but I liked how it all played out. Sarah wrote the book as a stand alone but I would totally love to read a second book. I think Pearl has a ton of story left in her.This is a great book for anyone that is looking for a paranormal YA comedy.

I gave it 4/5 stars
 

Guest Post, Review & Giveaway: Meredith Allard

UFI welcomes Meredith Allard Author of Her Dear and Loving Husband. Thanks for Joining us!!

Top 5 Reasons to Marry a Vampire

For human girls, marrying a vampire might not be their first choice. There are a few reasons why that could be too creepy. The blood-drinking thing can be troublesome, I imagine. But maybe you’re Sarah Alexander, very human and newly moved to Salem, Massachusetts, and you’re getting cozy with the handsome if enigmatic James Wentworth. You’re newly divorced and gun-shy about jumping too quickly into a new relationship. But James has an odd attraction for you and you feel pulled toward him as if by an invisible line. One night you discover that that handsome if enigmatic “man” you’ve been spending time with is a vampire. What do you do? Ditch him? Run away screaming, brandishing garlic and wooden stakes? Investigate further? Try to make it work however you can? All of the above?

For Sarah, and for anyone else contemplating life with a paranormal hottie, here are the top five reasons to marry a vampire.

5. You’ll only see him at night (that is, if he’s the nocturnal type). If he’s a hunky vampire, a few hours together at night should work just fine.

4. You won’t have to cook for him. He doesn’t need his steaks grilled or his potatoes fried. He won’t eat them. He might want your blood, though. But at least you won’t have to cook.

3. He can open stubborn spaghetti sauce jars or stuck bottle tops. He can move heavy furniture and carry your packages. Vampires are very strong, after all. Use that to your advantage.

2. He won’t lose his looks. You won’t have to watch your vampire get a beer belly as he grows older. He won’t lose his hair or sag anywhere unsightly. He’ll stay easy on the eyes without the expense of Botox or other expensive injectibles.

1. He lives forever so his devotion is forever. Once a vampire loves you, he always loves you. Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

So after weighing the pros and cons, does Sarah marry vampire James after all? You’ll need to read Her Dear & Loving Husband to find out. Be aware.

I hope this has helped anyone contemplating a serious relationship with someone of the paranormal persuasion. Now if only I could find a strong, handsome vampire like James I’d be all set…

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Meredith Allard is the author of Her Dear & Loving Husband and the executive editor of The Copperfield Review, a journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. Her short fiction and articles have appeared in journals such as The Paumanok Review, Muse Apprentice Guild, Wild Mind, Moondance, and Writer's Weekly. She has taught writing to students aged 10 to 60, and she has taught creative writing and writing historical fiction at Learning Tree University and UNLV. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Find Meredith and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Her Dear and Loving Husband

Author:Meredith Allard

Release Date: April 11, 2011

Publisher: Copperfield Press

Loving Husband Book #1

ISBN:  0615454224

Genre: Paranormal/Historical Romance

Review Copy Source: Bewitching Book Tours

How long would you wait for the one you loved?

Her Dear & Loving Husband, the new novel from Meredith Allard, is part literary fiction, part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. With the help of their friends, witches Jennifer and Olivia, James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?

Another Historical type book that surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Sarah has always been pulled to Salem and after she divorced her husband of 10 years she decided it was time to move there. Sarah has always been plagued with dreams of someone living and dying during the Salem witch trials. After she moves to Salem the nightmares get worse and she finally has a way to peace together the mystery of them. James lost his wife during the Salem witch trials and has never gotten over her. He has lived many lives in many different places throughout the world and finally moves back to Salem and into his home he shared with his wife Elizabeth all those years ago.

The story is set in modern times with flashbacks to the Salem Witch trials.I really enjoyed the flashback dreams and memories. I usually don't get in to Historical type novels but this isn't like those at all. The dreams and memories happen often but they are small (though important) part of the story and they really grab you and make you interested in the little details they reveal. The two realities blended really well and when everything came out to being what it was it was done in a gradual "real" feeling way. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the storyline, the plot was interesting, and the pace was a bit slow throughout but it was an overall enjoyable book.  I'm glad this wasn't a stand alone because I look forward to seeing what happens next for Sarah and James.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

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Winner will receive
- One e-Copy of Her Dear and Loving Husband

 RULES

1)  Leave a comment or question for Meredith =)

2) This giveaway is open to International readers.

3) Must leave an email address so I can contact you.

Giveaway Ends 9/19/2011 at 10pm EST
Giveaway Policy and FAQ

Winner: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Thank you to everyone that entered!!

PRIZE: One copy of All These Things I've Done

The winner chosen by Random.org is…

Amanda M. 

Congrats!! I have emailed winner who has 48 hours to respond with mailing address or I will pick another.