Thank you to everyone that entered!!
PRIZE: One copy (US winner-Print/International Winner-ecopy) of Acquainted with the Night
The winner chosen by Rafflecopter is…
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Winner: Acquainted with the Night by Piper Maitland
PRIZE: One copy (US winner-Print/International Winner-ecopy) of Acquainted with the Night
Friday, December 2, 2011
Guest Blog & Giveaway: Lee Nichols
UFI welcomes Lee Nichols Author of The Haunting Emma series. Thanks for Joining us!!
Character Tweets
HarryArmitage: You will not believe what happened to @EmmaVaile last night.
EmmaVaile: @HarryArmitage you promised me you weren’t going to tweet this.
HarryArmitage: @EmmaVaile Since when do you believe I keep promises?
EmmaVaile: @HarryArmitage Say anymore, and Im going to strait-jacket you into your overcoat. Do you believe that?
HarryArmitage: This Twitter account is on temporary hiatus. @EmmaVaile Happy Now?
HarryArmitage: You will not believe what happened to @EmmaVaile last night.
EmmaVaile: @HarryArmitage you promised me you weren’t going to tweet this.
HarryArmitage: @EmmaVaile Since when do you believe I keep promises?
EmmaVaile: @HarryArmitage Say anymore, and Im going to strait-jacket you into your overcoat. Do you believe that?
HarryArmitage: This Twitter account is on temporary hiatus. @EmmaVaile Happy Now?
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Find Lee and her books
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Surrender
Haunting Emma #3
December 6, 2011
After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
Interview & Giveaway: Shayne Leighton
UFI welcomes Shayne Leighton Author of Of Light and Darkness. Thanks for Joining us!!
This or That
Shifters or Vampires Vampires…they are way sexier. Though, I think Shifters have a
cooler power.
Virtual or Real Real. I like to talk to you face to face.
Reading or Writing It’s nice to have an even mix of both. Reading inspires the
writing. Both are relaxing. Both are good for your mind.
Book Signing or Panel Speaker I enjoy both. Wish I had more of both. Know
anyone? J
YA Paranormal or Adult Paranormal Of Light and Darkness if definitely a cross over.
I enjoy YA if it’s a little more on the side of the A and not the Y. I always like when
things are bit more adult and dark.
Facebook or Twitter I like facebook – it’s easier to talk to people and it always
seems like there are more things happening. But I always catch up on Twitter too.
Coffee or Tea Life does not begin until the coffee is poured.
Coke or Pepsi Diet coke! It’s like being an apple or PC person. LOL
Pizza or Pasta I love Italian food!!! Either way, it’s a good thing!
Left or Right I’m left handed!!!! They say we’re more creative! Haha
Up or Down Always keep your head up, chin up, and attitude up!
cooler power.
Virtual or Real Real. I like to talk to you face to face.
Reading or Writing It’s nice to have an even mix of both. Reading inspires the
writing. Both are relaxing. Both are good for your mind.
Book Signing or Panel Speaker I enjoy both. Wish I had more of both. Know
anyone? J
YA Paranormal or Adult Paranormal Of Light and Darkness if definitely a cross over.
I enjoy YA if it’s a little more on the side of the A and not the Y. I always like when
things are bit more adult and dark.
Facebook or Twitter I like facebook – it’s easier to talk to people and it always
seems like there are more things happening. But I always catch up on Twitter too.
Coffee or Tea Life does not begin until the coffee is poured.
Coke or Pepsi Diet coke! It’s like being an apple or PC person. LOL
Pizza or Pasta I love Italian food!!! Either way, it’s a good thing!
Left or Right I’m left handed!!!! They say we’re more creative! Haha
Up or Down Always keep your head up, chin up, and attitude up!
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Of Light and Darkness
Book 1
Book 1
When one human stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of overcoming them in this coming-of-age modern fairytale may result in war between light and darkness.
Abandoned as an infant in Prague, naive and strong-willed Charlotte Ruzikova was raised by one of the last Vampires left alive. As a human, she knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of Eastern Europe, where Witches drew spells of enchantment, Phasers threw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. Charlotte has lived her life in the dark with her Guardian, content to having him to herself and reveling in his attention, until she's realizes she wants more...
Resident medical doctor and Vampire, Valek Ruzik fears the day his ward would come of age and blossom into a fine woman, and he is forced to confront his own motives as time is of the essence once his past catches up to him, and their lives become endangered...
As genocide and war threatens their secret society, the dictator in power is ready to wipe out Valek's race, but Charlotte will not allow that to happen. Fighting for the only one she's ever loved and truly believed in, she will do whatever it takes to save their love...before the sun comes up and light takes over.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Interview & Giveaway: Jennifer Estep
UFI welcomes Jennifer Estep Author of Mythos Academy, Elemental Assassin and Bigtime. Thanks for Joining us!!
What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking onyour bio or reading in another interview?
JE: Well, I’m a total geek. I love mythology, fairy tales, superhero stories, spy thrillers, and more, and I like playing Dungeons & Dragons and other games. Football is my favorite sport. I love the James Bond books and movies, watch way too much TV, and wish that I had more time to read. Some of my favorite musicians include Jimmy Buffett and The Killers. I also like to make people laugh, whether they are reading my books or talking to me in real life.
What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
JE: I love to read, watch TV/movies, spend time with family and friends, and just relax.
What is your favorite part of writing?
JE: Finishing the latest book I’m working on. LOL. It always gives me a sense of accomplishment (and relief!) when I can type “The End” on a manuscript. I let myself enjoy the feeling for a few days before moving on and starting work on my next project.
Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
JE: I have a system that works for me. I’m a panster so I don’t really do detailed outlines, character sketches, or anything like that. Instead, I just think about my main heroine, her magic, and how she can defeat the bad guys with it, then I sit down and start writing.
I try to write about 2,000 to 3,000 words a day until I have a rough draft of about 50,000 words or so. That takes a couple of weeks. Then, I let the draft sit for a few weeks before going back to it and seeing if the story, characters, etc. hold together and what changes I might need to make. Then, I start working on my second draft, adding in more description, dialogue, action, etc. I do that a couple of times until the book is the best that I can make it and about 95,000 words or so (or about 90,000 words if I’m writing a young adult book).
I also need quiet to write, and I don’t listen to music or anything like that when I’m working on a book.
What are some of your favorite books or authors in the urban fantasy/paranormal genres?
JE: There are so many great books for adults and young adults in the urban fantasy and paranormal genres. It’s a great time to be a fan of the genres right now.
Some of my favorite young adult books are Graceling by Kristin Cashore; The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; Beastly by Alex Flinn; and Beauty by Robin McKinley.
As far as adult urban fantasy/paranormal authors and series go, I like the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. I also like fantasy authors like Alex Bledsoe, David Eddings, Scott Lynch, and many, many others.
How would you pitch The Mythos Academy series to someone who has not heard of it before?
JE: I would say that the Mythos Academy series features myths, magic, monsters, and mean girls.
Can you tell us a little bit about the world that the series is set in?
JE: The series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen is shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, Amazons, and more.
So the world is mythology-based, and the two main gods featured are Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and Loki, the Norse trickster god. Nike, Loki, and their followers have been locked in battle for centuries, and Gwen soon finds herself in the thick of things.
Do you have a favorite scene in KISS OF FROST?
JE: I really like the scenes with Gwen, my heroine, and Logan Quinn, the cute Spartan guy that she has a crush on. Logan knows how Gwen feels about him, and he seems to care about her too, but he’s dating another girl in Kiss of Frost. There’s one scene where Gwen and Logan argue about their feelings for each other that I like a lot and hope that readers will too. I also really like the big fight scene between Gwen and the Reaper bad guy near the end of the book.
Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
JE: I enjoyed writing Vic, Gwen’s talking sword, who is really bloodthirsty and determined to kill Reapers of Chaos, the bad guys. Vic says some outrageous things, and he’s full of opinions and attitude. He was a lot of fun for me to write.
I would say the hardest character to write was Nickamedes, the head librarian at the Library of Antiquities. Nickamedes is a character who’s a stickler for following the rules. He’s not a villain per se, but he and Gwen don’t really get along. Sometimes, I think it’s harder writing a character your heroine dislikes rather than a villain who’s out to destroy her.
What other projects can we look forward to reading from you?
JE: Dark Frost, the third book in the Mythos Academy series, will be out in June 2012. Crimson Frost, the fourth book, is tentatively scheduled to be published in January 2013. Right now, I’m under contract for six books in the series.
Visit www.jenniferestep.com for free short stories, excerpts, and more. Happy reading, everyone! ;-)
JE: Well, I’m a total geek. I love mythology, fairy tales, superhero stories, spy thrillers, and more, and I like playing Dungeons & Dragons and other games. Football is my favorite sport. I love the James Bond books and movies, watch way too much TV, and wish that I had more time to read. Some of my favorite musicians include Jimmy Buffett and The Killers. I also like to make people laugh, whether they are reading my books or talking to me in real life.
What do you enjoy doing on your down time?
JE: I love to read, watch TV/movies, spend time with family and friends, and just relax.
What is your favorite part of writing?
JE: Finishing the latest book I’m working on. LOL. It always gives me a sense of accomplishment (and relief!) when I can type “The End” on a manuscript. I let myself enjoy the feeling for a few days before moving on and starting work on my next project.
Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?
JE: I have a system that works for me. I’m a panster so I don’t really do detailed outlines, character sketches, or anything like that. Instead, I just think about my main heroine, her magic, and how she can defeat the bad guys with it, then I sit down and start writing.
I try to write about 2,000 to 3,000 words a day until I have a rough draft of about 50,000 words or so. That takes a couple of weeks. Then, I let the draft sit for a few weeks before going back to it and seeing if the story, characters, etc. hold together and what changes I might need to make. Then, I start working on my second draft, adding in more description, dialogue, action, etc. I do that a couple of times until the book is the best that I can make it and about 95,000 words or so (or about 90,000 words if I’m writing a young adult book).
I also need quiet to write, and I don’t listen to music or anything like that when I’m working on a book.
What are some of your favorite books or authors in the urban fantasy/paranormal genres?
JE: There are so many great books for adults and young adults in the urban fantasy and paranormal genres. It’s a great time to be a fan of the genres right now.
Some of my favorite young adult books are Graceling by Kristin Cashore; The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; Beastly by Alex Flinn; and Beauty by Robin McKinley.
As far as adult urban fantasy/paranormal authors and series go, I like the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. I also like fantasy authors like Alex Bledsoe, David Eddings, Scott Lynch, and many, many others.
How would you pitch The Mythos Academy series to someone who has not heard of it before?
JE: I would say that the Mythos Academy series features myths, magic, monsters, and mean girls.
Can you tell us a little bit about the world that the series is set in?
JE: The series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the gift of psychometry, or the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. After a serious freak-out with her magic, Gwen is shipped off to Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors like Spartans, Valkyries, Amazons, and more.
So the world is mythology-based, and the two main gods featured are Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and Loki, the Norse trickster god. Nike, Loki, and their followers have been locked in battle for centuries, and Gwen soon finds herself in the thick of things.
Do you have a favorite scene in KISS OF FROST?
JE: I really like the scenes with Gwen, my heroine, and Logan Quinn, the cute Spartan guy that she has a crush on. Logan knows how Gwen feels about him, and he seems to care about her too, but he’s dating another girl in Kiss of Frost. There’s one scene where Gwen and Logan argue about their feelings for each other that I like a lot and hope that readers will too. I also really like the big fight scene between Gwen and the Reaper bad guy near the end of the book.
Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
JE: I enjoyed writing Vic, Gwen’s talking sword, who is really bloodthirsty and determined to kill Reapers of Chaos, the bad guys. Vic says some outrageous things, and he’s full of opinions and attitude. He was a lot of fun for me to write.
I would say the hardest character to write was Nickamedes, the head librarian at the Library of Antiquities. Nickamedes is a character who’s a stickler for following the rules. He’s not a villain per se, but he and Gwen don’t really get along. Sometimes, I think it’s harder writing a character your heroine dislikes rather than a villain who’s out to destroy her.
What other projects can we look forward to reading from you?
JE: Dark Frost, the third book in the Mythos Academy series, will be out in June 2012. Crimson Frost, the fourth book, is tentatively scheduled to be published in January 2013. Right now, I’m under contract for six books in the series.
Visit www.jenniferestep.com for free short stories, excerpts, and more. Happy reading, everyone! ;-)
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Touch of Frost, the first book in the series, was published today, July 26. First Frost, a prequel e-story to the series, is available now as a 99-cent download. Kiss of Frost, the second book, will hit shelves on Nov. 29. Visit www.jenniferestep.com for excerpts and more information.
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Find Jennifer and her books
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Kiss of Frost
Mythos Academy #2
November 29, 2011
Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle...
I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Update to Piper Maitland Post from 11/25
Due to some untimely computer issues and it being around a holiday I did not receive Piper's Guest post for her 11/25 post date. I have since received Pipers Guest Post and have updated the original post. You can now read and enjoy A Different Look at the Mythology of Vampirism
Review: Watched by Sharde Richardson
Author:Sharde Richardson
Release Date: May 30, 2011
Publisher: Jolt
Watched Book #1
ISBN: 0983149801
ISBN13: 9780983149804
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source- Teen Book Scene
Mikayla doesn't want much: just to rock out to her favorite band, become the next Kwiki Stop video gaming champion, and keep her Q-tip habit under control. What she does want is the sight of the sudden inexplicable dark auras around everyone to stop. Problem is, those auras are demons and Mikayla is the last trait holder with the power to ban them. Which is a total buzz kill.To make matters worse, the town folk of Sulphur Springs don't look the same, and her classmates are a little dark in the eyes. There are murders, suicides, reckless skinny-dipping, gratuitous use of Q-tips, and newfound powers that Mikayla must learn to control.
Her past becomes present when a shape-shifter tells her what her true identity is, and how to keep the demons of Hell from nipping at her Converse. Through him she'll discover who to trust, who to kiss, and how valuable her abilities are to the right beings. Because the evils of Hell aren't staying down without a fight...
Or without her soul.
Mikayla is an average girl that doesn't remember anything before she woke up alone in a hospital room at the age of 13. On what she thinks is her Seventeenth (which she finds out later is really her Eighteenth) Birthday she is attacked and almost killed after ice skating at night by herself and from the moment she again wakes up in a hospital room her life is not the same.
I found Mikayla to be annoyingly stubborn at a lot of turns and it made me want to knock her upside the head and tell her to open her eyes and cut the crap. She put things off because she didn't want to believe them which ended up making things worse. After everything she has been through in the book some of the easiest most logical things were the hardest for her to digest. Like I said, annoyingly stubborn. I like Lucas, he is mysterious, dangerous and all around knight in wolf armor. He is Mikayla's Sentry and wants to keep her safe even though Mikayla does everything to make it difficult. There isn't any romance in WATCHED but I'm hoping the next book will get into a more romantic state between the two of them. I enjoyed finding out the secrets that were Mikayla and her past. I was a little frustrated at times that more wasn't revealed. Even at the end of the book there is still a ton of mystery and not a lot of answers. Even after saying that I still found the book fascinating and want to know more about Mikayla, her skills, her past and where she goes next with hopefully Lucas by her side.
I gave it 3/5 stars
New Releases Nov 27- Dec 3
Tues Nov 29
Acquainted with the Night by Piper Maitland
Angel of Darkness (The Fallen, #1) by Cynthia Eden
Fate's Edge (The Edge, #3) by Ilona Andrews
Hunter of Shadows (Moonlight, #5) by Nancy Gideon
Killing Rites (The Black Sun's Daughter, #4) by M.L.N. Hanover
Killing Rites (The Black Sun's Daughter, #4) by M.L.N. Hanover
Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy, #2) by Jennifer Estep
Legend (Legend, #1) by Marie Lu
Vampires Dead Ahead (Night Tracker, #5) by Cheyenne McCray
Virtual Virgin (Delilah Street, #5) by Carole Nelson Douglas
Within the Flames (Dirk & Steele, #11) by Marjorie M. Liu
Let me know if you see something missing or see a mistake. Happy Reading =)
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