Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Interview: To Wish Upon a Roman by Ishabelle Torry

UFI welcomes Ishabelle Torry Author of Copper Girl. Thanks for Joining us!!

This or That

Myself: Ishabelle Torry
 
Angels or Demons: Both. You cannot have one without the other.

Vampires or Shifters: Shifter, because Vampires are stuck to one form really, whereas shifters can make for extra interesting…positions. Also, shifters can be badass lions and tigers and bears, OH MY!

Left or Right: Right, since I am right handed, everything to the right is easier.

Up or Down: *grins* Depends on the circumstance.

Pizza or Pasta: Pizza! Extra cheese and thick crust.

Coffee or Tea: Coffee in the morning, tea in the evening.

Coke or Pepsi: Gross—Diet Sunkist

YA or Adult: Adult first, and then YA.

Knives or Guns: Knives. Someone has to get stabbed in every story…JK…Kind of.

Reading or Writing: Reader first, writing second.

Facebook or Twitter: Facebook—Hashtags scare me.
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Ishabelle Torry is a full time mother, wife and student. She enjoys time with her family, and their plethora of pets on the farm. In her spare time, she is constantly dreaming of characters and the worlds they are found in. Occasionally, Ishabelle has been known to argue with her characters and bribe them with cookies when they have a wayward moment.

Find Ishabelle and her books
Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook
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To Wish Upon a Roman
buy link
When Lucy received the locket from the estate of her aunt, it came with a warning to never speak his name...but where's the fun in that? 

Trapped for seventeen hundred years, General Hadrian Marias awaits his release from a crystal prison and a chance to find the reincarnated soul of his wife, Lucia. Instead, upon being summoned into the modern world, he finds Lucy—the descendant of Genevieve, the Celtic witch responsible for his entrapment. Everything he knows about Lucy stems from his experience with Genevieve, but he soon discovers the only thing Lucy shares with her ancient ancestor is an uncanny resemblance. He quickly finds himself drawn to the feisty vixen. But can he ever forgive himself for losing Lucia of the past, and move forward with Lucy? 

Lucy Brady was devastated to receive word of her aunt's death. Her only joy, a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation. Inside the golden locket hides a crystal containing the essence of Hadrian. Even though warned to never say his name, she chalks it up to superstition and inadvertently summons an ancient Roman general who demands his freedom from her tyrannical bloodline. Deeming the general's appearance a prank, Lucy agrees to grant his freedom—in lieu of sex for a fortnight. Will the next fortnight of passion be enough to keep Hadrian at Lucy's side? Or will he choose absolute freedom from her bloodline?

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Excerpt

Hadrian was infatuated by the witch's sudden change. Her demeanor had gone from a scared rabbit to a cunning wolf as she slowly advanced in his direction. She looked ready to pounce.

Damn the gods. 
 
He shook his head in frustration, swearing at his lack-wit brain. He assumed the dark woman with the strange clothing and heavy face paint had been Genevieve's kin, but instead the innocent angel before him was the vile sorceress's descendant. How could he have missed it? She even had the same violet pigment as Genevieve. He now knew for certain this pale beauty was his newest captor. "Release me."

"You never answered me," she purred prettily, taking slow deliberate steps toward him and emphasizing the sway of her hips.

Hadrian grunted. The witch recognized her powers already. She was another generation warned in advance; already knowing he couldn't harm her physically as long as she controlled him.

Damn her smugness! He took a step back with each forward step she took. "Stay back, witch."

He didn't mean it. He felt himself harden with her approach. He hated her. Nay, he didn't, but he should. Something about her perplexed him. She has her ancestor's looks. Genevieve. His last step back was blocked by the loveseat. He thought to sidestep the smiling vixen, but a squared table blocked his path.

Curse her and her second sight! She has me purposely trapped!
 
The witch appeared to enjoy his uneasiness as she played cat and mouse. She obviously delighted in being the predator, moving in just the right way to keep him cornered. Her siren voice with its otherworldly quality beckoned him as she spoke. Aye, she was just as much the devil's mistress as Genevieve.

"I ask you one more time, Hadrian Marias: Why should I release you?"

His pulse pounded in his ears. "It would be the honorable thing to do, milady. Seeing your family has held me prisoner for almost two millennia."

"I see." She dared to wink. "What's in it for me?"

His paranoia threatened his temper. He felt the sudden need to hide from this enchantress. He would not make the same mistake again and trust a witch. No matter how beautiful she was or innocent she appeared, she was evil. Genevieve's blood ran through her veins. "What do you want?" He finally managed to ask, hoping she didn't hear the apprehension in his tone.

She threw her sultry head back and her laughter floated on the air and teased his defenses.

Devil's Mistress...
 
She smirked. "In fourteen days, I will release you, but only if you become my sex slave and guarantee my satisfaction."

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Promo: Enslaved By the Others by Jess Haines

Enslaved By the Others
Coming July 1, 2014; Zebra

Vampires, werewolves, magi and worse-the Others have joined the mortal world, and there's no turning back now...

As a New York P.I. and Other specialist, Shiarra Waynest has been in plenty of trouble before. But waking up in a windowless room the prisoner of a vampire slave trader is a shock for anyone. Shia has her wits, her bravado, and a couple of used staples, so maybe she can take on a mansion full of serious evil.

But although she's desperate to escape, Shia needs some answers too. Her friends are in danger. There are betrayers and spies among them. And even if she can figure out what's going on and somehow get a message out, she's still a captive of the worst kind...
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The author has over 7 years freelance experience in technical writing, editing and screenplays.  More recently, this repertoire has expanded to include short stories and a series of urban fantasy novels in progress.

See the sidebar for a list of Jess Haines interviews, guest blogs, giveaways, and more!
Want to see her in person or attend a signing? Check the appearances calendar for the latest info.


Find Jess and her books
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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Review: Love Potions by Michelle M. Pillow

Love Potions
Release Date: June 2, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Covet
ISBN:  1622665937
ISBN13: 9781622665938
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Erik MacGregor, from a clan of ancient Scottish warlocks, isn't looking for love. After centuries, it's not even a consideration...until he moves in next door to Lydia Barratt. It's clear that the shy beauty wants nothing to do with him, but he's drawn to her nonetheless and determined to win her over.

Lydia Barratt just wants to be left alone to grow flowers and make lotions in her old Victorian house. The last thing she needs is a demanding Scottish man meddling in her private life. Just because he's gorgeous and totally rocks a kilt doesn't mean she's going to fall for his seductive manner.

But Erik won't give up and just as Lydia let's her guard down, his sister decides to get involved. Her little love potion prank goes terribly wrong, making Lydia the target of his sudden embarrassingly obsessive behavior. They'll have to find a way to pull Erik out of the spell fast when it becomes clear that Lydia has more than a lovesick warlock to worry about. Evil lurks within the shadows and it plans to use Lydia, alive or dead, to take out Erik and his clan for good.

LOVE POTIONS was a great introduction to a new series full of magic, love and mischief (and I can't forget the sexy Scottish Men). 

I enjoyed Lydia. She is a bit of a loner but she is just plain likable. Erik is all alpha male, hardheaded and all. Lydia and Erik made a nice couple. Sparks fly instantly and their romance is a bit fast and furious but they definitely butt heads at times and there are many moments where you think it just might be over for good.

I enjoyed the mix of the modern world with the hints of the old. The supporting characters were just as important in the story as the main characters. The whole MacGregor family was a ball of fun. I really felt like I was got to know a little bit about everyone that was introduced. They all love each other but their pranks and bantering is highly entertaining.  It was really fun meeting them and I am excited to learn more about them.

With the amount of family members in the MacGregor family, I have no doubt that we will be entertained with romances for many books to come.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

New Release: 6/1-6/7


Mon June 2nd


Tue June 3rd

 A Shiver of Light (Merry Gentry #9) by Laurell K. Hamilton
Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton

Thur June 5th

 Chasing Stars (After Eden #2) by Helen Douglas
 Witch Hunt (Witch Finder #2) by Ruth Warburton

Happy Reading


Monday, June 2, 2014

Covet Release Blast: Love Potion by Michelle Pillow


Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's June 2nd release:



Love Potions by Michelle Pillow

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!


Erik MacGregor, from a clan of ancient Scottish warlocks, isn’t looking for love. After centuries, it’s not even a consideration… until he moves in next door to Lydia Barratt. It’s clear that the shy beauty wants nothing to do with him, but he’s drawn to her nonetheless and determined to win her over.

Lydia Barratt just wants to be left alone to grow flowers and make lotions in her old Victorian home. The last thing she needs is a demanding Scottish man meddling in her private life. Just because he’s gorgeous and totally rocks a kilt doesn’t mean she’s going to fall for his seductive manner.

But Erik won’t give up and just as Lydia let’s her guard down, his sister decides to get involved. Her little love potion prank goes terribly wrong, making Lydia the target of his sudden embarrassingly obsessive behavior. They’ll have to find a way to pull Erik out of the spell fast when it becomes clear that Lydia has more than a lovesick warlock to worry about. Evil lurks within the shadows and it plans to use Lydia, alive or dead, to take out Erik and his clan for good.


Sunday, June 1, 2014

Week in Review 5/25-5/31


Books I've Bought/received

* Bloodshifted by Cassie Alexander- eARC- Publisher via NetGalley

* Love Potions by Michelle Pillow- eARC- Publisher

Books I've Read

Love Potion by Michelle Pillow
Perfected by Kate Jarvik Burke
The Jewel by Amy Weing
Witchlight by Sonya Clark
Cover Him With Darkness by Janine Ashbless

Reviews Posted

Mortal Enchantment by Stacey O'Neale
Queen of Swords by Katee Robert

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

* Monday: May Select Release Blast

* Tuesday: Promo & Giveaway for Queen's Wings by Jamie Schmidt. Guest Blog: The Lost by Sarah Beth Durst

* Wednesday: Interview for Spring's Promise by Kelliea Ashley

* Friday: Interview & Giveaway for A Timeless Melody by R. Ann Siracusa. Cover Reveal: Dance with the Devil by J.M. Gregoire

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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.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Review: Mortal Enchantment by Stacey O'Neale

Mortal Enchantment
Release Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Phoenix Reign Publishing
ISBN13: 9780991451920
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Author
In Kalin Matthew's world, elementals control the forces of nature. They are divided into four courts: air, woodland, fire, and water. At sixteen she will leave the life she's built with her mortal mother. Kalin will move to Avalon to rule with her father—the elemental king of the air court. Along the way, she's attacked by a fire court assassin and saved by Rowan, a swoon-worthy elemental with a questionable past.

Worst of all, she learns her father is missing.

To rescue him, Kalin will have to work with a judgmental council and a system of courts too busy accusing each other of deceit to actually be able to help her. But, they aren’t her biggest challenge. With the Midwinter’s Ball only five days away, Kalin must take over her father’s duties, which includes shifting control of the elements—power Kalin has yet to realize.

As Rowan attempts to train her, a war looms between the four courts. If Kalin fails, her father will die and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more...

By the end of THE SHADOW PRINCE I had no doubt that I wanted to read MORTAL ENCHANTMENT. I really enjoyed meeting Rowan and the world that O'Neale created.

It took me a few chapters to 'like' Kalin. I didn't dislike her I just didn't instantly connect with her like I did Rowan. She was never in a good position with being a half-ling and entering the Air Court for the first time. Her father's disappearance only made the whole situation worse. Considering her position I felt she handled everything pretty well but there were few times where I felt she could have acted a bit more mature. She is young though so I didn't hold it against her too much. I still very much enjoyed Rowan. I like his personality and even though he doesn't have to he did a great job teaching Kalin how to use her magic and navigate things at court (After reading THE SHADOW PRINCE I had no doubt he would be glued to her side.) Their romance was slow and cautious but there is great hope for them in the future.

The story was told at a nice pace and there was some great action. There could have been some greater detail in some of the scenes but overall I enjoyed the world building. I still have a lot of questions after reading MORTAL ENCHANTMENT so I look forward to seeing what comes next for the characters.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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