Week in Review 12/11-12/17

Books Ive Bought/received

* Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis- From publisher

* Wicked Circle by Linda Robertson- From Publisher

* Cinder by Marissa Meyer- Arc- From Publisher


Books I read

Raven Cursed by Faith Hunter
Shadow City by Diana Pharaoh Francis
Wicked Circle by Linda Robertson
The Mortal Bone by Marjorie M Liu

Reviews posted


Winging It by Deborah Cooke
Bedeviled by Sable Grace
Revenge Is Sweet by Misty Evans
Left Hand Magic by Nancy A. Collins

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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


* Monday brought in Jaime Reed with an Interview in promotion of her book Living Violet



* Wednesday Sharde Richardson stopped in with a Character This or That post in promotion of her book Watched.



*Friday Author of Revenge is Sweet Misty Evans stopped in for an Interview and Giveaway.

*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: Left Hand Magic by Nancy Collins

Left Hand Magic
Author:Nancy A. Collins
Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Roc
Golgotham Book #2
ISBN:   0451464303
ISBN13: 9780451464309
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Artist Tate Eresby has accepted the unusual sights and sounds of Golgotham, New York's paranormal underworld. But her relationship with witch-lord Hexe, the current heir to the Kymeran throne, is full of tension. Hexe's Uncle Esau is an anti-human activist who believes Tate is a human enemy of his race.

But Tate's time in Golgotham has left her more than human...

I absolutely love the world that Nancy has created. Golgotham is a place where New York's Paranormal folks live and the detail and creativity written between the pages of this series never stop amazing me. LEFT HAND MAGIC is the second book in the series and I would 100% recommend you read book one before jumping into it. There are things in book 1 that you will not want to go without knowing.

After a big incident at the The Two-Headed Calf Golgotham is not a friendly place for humans and that includes Tate. LEFT HAND MAGIC is filled with danger, action, suspense and drama. At every turn Tate seems to be pulled into a situation that puts her in danger. Tate and Hexe are comfortable with each other and their relationship. They have just about everyone in their lives trying to break them up but they only hold onto their relationship tighter. I really want them to get married and have babies (ok I know that is jumping the timeline but I'm very interested in knowing how the child will turn out with some of the new details we learn about Hexe's family lines and how his family members get to be heir to the Kymeran throne) read the book you will want them to have babies too. Scratch continues to be fabulous. He is the perfect little side kick familiar and he cracks me up at every turn. No matter how much he tries to hide it and how much crap he gives her you can tell that Tate is growing on him. We get a few visits from Tate's parents and wow her mother is a piece of work. Just when I think she is done being a witch we find out a shocking detail that links her to Hexe's mom. I cant wait to see how this little slice of information comes out in the future. As the description of the book states, Tate's time in Golgotham has left her less human then she was coming in. I wont tell you what that means but Im excited what will happen next for her now that we know a little bit of what she can do. I know teasers teasers. Go grab yourself book 1 RIGHT HAND MAGIC if you have not started this series.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Interview, Review & Giveaway: Misty Evans

UFI welcomes Misty Evans Author of Revenge is Sweet. Thanks for Joining us!!

What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?

ME: I sing Disney show tunes when I’m working in the kitchen!

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

ME: I love to cook and bake (hence my show tune addiction). I read and listen to music, and I enjoy traveling, either in person or through the pages of a good book.

What is your Favorite part of writing?

ME: Seeing the scenes in my head. My characters are always up to something, and when I can’t sleep, all I have to do is tune into the movies playing in my imagination.

Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?

ME: Depends on the book. With some stories, I need to listen to certain songs before I write, or I need to brainstorm with a friend. Other times, I need complete quiet and solitude.

What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Genres?

ME: Stacia Kane, Jennifer Estep, Edie Ramer, Nancy Haddock, Cynthia Eden, Chloe Neill…my list goes on and on.

How would you pitch Revenge is Sweet to someone who has not heard of it before?

ME: Kali Sweet is a vengeance demon who works for the supernatural world’s version of the Justice Department. She loves humans and tries to protect them from supernaturals. She’s also in love with the guy who left at her at the altar three hundred years ago and that’s a big problem since Rad happens to be a demon hunter.

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Revenge is Sweet is set in?

ME: RIS is set in Chicago. I love Chicago and it’s a great location for magic and supernatural creatures. A few humans in RIS know Kali is a demon and understand supernaturals exist, but most are oblivious. Kali lives in an abandoned Gothic church with a creepy cemetery out back, which also is fun to write about and plays a key element in the plot.

Do you have a favorite scene in Revenge is Sweet?

ME: Yes! There’s a scene where Kali and Rad are in a coffin hiding from Chicago’s vampire king. Things get a little out of hand and Rad ends up being Kali’s blood slave. Their conversation was hilarious to write.

Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

ME: Kali’s my favorite. Writing a badass demon in first person point of view lets me channel everything from Italian cuss words to black magic into the story. The hardest character to write was Kali’s tech guru, JR. I’m SO not a techie person, so I did lots of research to know what he’d be interested in and good at.

What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?

ME: Currently, I’m writing the next book in my super agent series. After the first of the year, I’ll be writing the next book in Kali’s series, SWEET CHAOS, and the next Witches Anonymous book. Next year will be another big year for me with at least five new releases! Phew. I may need more chocolate. J

_________________________________

Misty Evans is the author of four series: the Super Agent romantic suspense series, the light paranormal Witches Anonymous series, the dark paranormal Lost Worlds series, and the Kali Sweet urban fantasy series.

The books in her Super Agent series have won a CataNetwork Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2008, CAPA nominations in 2009, the New England Reader’s Choice Bean Pot Award for Best Romantic Suspense in 2010 and the ACRA Heart of Excellence Reader’s Choice Award for Best Romantic Suspense in 2011.

Her Witches Anonymous series has garnered 5-star reviews and was dubbed a Fallen Angel Reviews Recommended Read. Both the Super Agent Series and the Witches Anonymous Series have been on multiple Amazon Kindle bestsellers lists.

She has short stories in Entangled, A Paranormal Anthology, and Every Witch Way But Wicked. All proceeds from Entangled go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and all proceeds for EWWBW go to Nathon Fillion’s Kids Need To Read charity.

Misty is currently at work on the next books in all her series. She likes her coffee black, her conspiracy stories juicy, and her wicked characters dressed in couture. When not reading or writing, she enjoys hanging out with her husband of twenty-two years and their twin sons. Learn more and sign up for her newsletter at www.readmistyevans.com. Like her author page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

__________________________________

Find Misty and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

__________________________________

Revenge Is Sweet
Author:Misty Evans
Release Date: November 11, 2011
Publisher: Self Published
Kali Sweet Book #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Author

Payback is a bitch and her name is Kali Sweet...


I’m Kali Sweet, the best damn vengeance demon on Earth. I work for the supernatural world’s Justice Department and protect innocent humans from otherworldly creatures like me. While I can’t take revenge for myself, I make sure justice is done for others.

But when my latest run-in with Chicago’s vampire king backfires, the fallout leaves me with three big problems: a powerful Undead enemy who wants my head, my boss looking over my shoulder, and three personal blood slaves jeopardizing my reputation.

One of those slaves happens to be sexy rock star Radison Beaumont – the half-human, half-chaos demon who left me at the altar three hundred years ago. Even if he does need my blood now to survive, Rad and I will always be enemies.

Especially since he’s joined an ancient society of demon killers—and I’m the number one demon on their most wanted list.

Ok complete cover honesty. I don't like it, Its blah, makes REVENGE IS SWEET look like it will be super corny and I would have never picked up the book to read the blurb if I saw it sitting on a shelf. Luckily for me I joined the book tour and decided to bypass the cover and read it anyways.

Everyone knows I like snarky ladies and Kali is snarky, has an attitude, doesn't take crap and knows how to kick @ss. She ends up being more then meets the eye. It was hard not to like Rad (Radison) even though he left Kali at the alter, he complemented Kali well and they worked well together when they allowed themselves to bypass their issues with each other. I also enjoyed the secondary characters they did a great job of rounding out the story.  I enjoyed the world that Misty created. I could totally see myself in it among all the witches, vampires, demons, etc, etc. The story flowed well and a lot happened between the chapters. There were some great twist and turns thrown in. I have not read any of Misty's other books but I guess a few characters in REVENGE IS SWEET are in another of her series so I might have to check them out. The ending leaves you wanting to read more of the story so I hope Misty does another book tour that I can jump into. I'm glad I gave the book a chance despite the cover.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

__________________________________

FILL OUT FORM TO ENTER

Early Review: Bedeviled by Sable Grace

Bedeviled
Author:Sable Grace
Release Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: Avon
Dark Breed Book #2
ISBN:   0061964417
ISBN13: 9780061964411
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

She has done the unthinkable—turned her best friend into a dark breed: part Vampyre, Lychen and Witch . . .

Kyana thought only to save her friend’s life when she fed Haven her blood; instead, she created a monster. Now the woman she thought of as a sister is under the spell of an ancient, vengeful god, determined to set him free and wreak havoc on the mortal world . . . and only Kyana can stop her.

But time is running out. In just seven days, Kyana’s Vampyre and Lychen abilities will be gone and she’ll be completely transformed into the Goddess of the Hunt—and her blood ties to Haven will be severed. By her side is Ryker—ally, demigod, lover— who will sacrifice everything to keep Kyana safe . . . even the attraction that burns between them. Together they have one chance to save Haven from herself . . . to save humanity from hell on earth.

I really Enjoyed ASCENSION. I loved all the characters, the storyline, the gods and mythology and I could not wait to get my hands on BEDEVILED. If you have not read ASCENSION please be warned that this review will have spoilers from book 1 in it.

Kyana was a half Vampyre half Lychen and is now turning into the new Goddess of the Hunt. Her best friend and roommate Haven is processed by a god set on revenge, She is fighting feelings for her sorta lover Ryker and on top of it all she once again is expected to save humanity.

In the beginning of book 1 Kyana was very competitive and extremely arrogant and set in her ways. Kyana had to learn to work with others and let others take the lead. She made mistakes but did things in the end with the best intentions in mind. Kyana is determined to save her best friend Haven from the evil that is taking her over. Throughout BEDEVILED Kyana is plagued with inner struggles as she loses the parts of herself she has always fallen back on. The sexual tension between Kyana and Ryker continues to be high and frustrating. She really does fight her feelings to the end. There is a great deal of action and suspense from beginning to end. The plot is just as good as book 1 and hopefully will continue its awesomeness into book 3. You will be happy to know that BEDEVILED does not end on a cliffhanger like ASCENSION but you will still be left wanting more when its over. I'm not sure what comes next for the new Goddess of the Hunt but I will be looking out for Sable Grace's next release.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Guest Post : Sharde Richardson

UFI welcomes Sharde Richardson Author of Watched. Thanks for Joining us!!

Character This or That (Lucas)

Hello Stacy

Facebook or Twitter? I hunt demons with Mikayla. I’m her Sentry if she’ll have me, although I feel things may change. I have no time for Facebook or Twitter.

up or down? Up is always preferred.

music or video games? Music. After a Sentry claims his prime, their union, I suppose to you it would be marriage—is sealed to a drum song. I’m expected to claim soon, and so this drum song—this music, stays with me. I have been both dreading and welcoming this music.

angels or demons? Did you really ask me this? I destroy demons with my charge, Mikayla. I have never met an angel. They do not fight as openly as Sentries.

vampires or werewolfs? Werewolves are much easier to associate with because Sentry, in Lycan form, share a resemblance. But please don’t be confused, Sentries are nothing like werewolves. We are much stronger and not controlled by the full moon. As for vampires, the living or dead kind, they are both annoying.

left or right? Left.

pizza or pasta? I know a witch that makes pasta well enough. She is one of the few magical people I would eat pasta from. I must warn you: magical people prepare their food differently. Never accept pizza or pasta from the Fae people.

paperback or ereader? I don’t have time to read in any format.

Coke or Pepsi? Neither. I prefer water.

Magic or Mystery? Both go hand in hand. Half of all magic is concealed by mystery.

__________________________________

Find Sharde and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

__________________________________

 
Watched
#1
May 31, 2011

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.

__________________________________

Review: Winging It by Deborah Cooke

Winging It
Author:Deborah Cooke
Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: NAL
The Dragon Diaries Book #2
ISBN:   0451234898
ISBN13: 9780451234896
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Zoë Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expected. It’s bad enough that she’s the target of the Mages’ plan to eliminate all shifters—she also has to hide her true nature from her best friend Megan, a human. For her sixteenth birthday, all Zoë wants is one normal day, including a tattoo and a chance to see hot rocker Jared.

Instead, the Pyr throw her a birthday party but ban Megan from attendance, putting Zoë in a tight spot. Things get even worse when Zoe is invited to the popular kids’ Halloween party and Megan’s left out. Zoë knows the party is a trap laid by the host, an apprentice Mage. When Megan gets a last-minute invite, Zoë must save the day—and her best friend—without revealing her fire-breathing secrets . . .

If you are new to the series you should definitely pick up book 1 as there is some great character development to help you get to know all the characters but Deborah does a really good job of recapping in the first chapter of WINGING IT so you wont be to lost if you decide to jump right it. The recap was helpful to catch me back up on the series.

The book moves along at a nice speed and never leaves you feeling like something needs to happen.  I enjoyed the action and conflict in FLYING BLIND but WINGING IT brought a more grown up Zoe with to go along with the action, conflict and fun supporting cast characters to liven up every situation.

Megan, Zoe's Best friend plays a much bigger role in book 2. We get to know her better and watch as Zoe tries to hide the truth that she so desperately wants to let out. We meet a new guy and I really liked him. We got to know Jared in FLYING BLIND I have so many questions about him and still so little answers. He is never there for Zoe when she needs him in WINGING IT and Derek was able to squeeze right into the spot that he should have been in. I still feel like Jared has a huge chance but unless he jumps in to the mix in a big way I think he will be done for in Zoe's world. I enjoyed watching the young dragons continue as a team to get past the major conflict in book 2. I'm hoping book 3 brings them all back together again.

The Dragon Diaries was planned as a trilogy with the final book BLAZING THE TRAIL set to release in June of 2012 and I hope I am able to snag it as soon as its off the press so I don't have to wait that long. Great series for any Paranormal YA lover.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

New Releases Dec 11-17

Tue Dec 13

True Colors (Elder Races #3.5) by Thea Harrison

Happy Reading!!