Guest Blog & Giveaway: Poison In the Blood by Robyn Bachar

UFI welcomes Author Robyn Bachar. Thanks for Joining us!!

Seer in the City

“The streets were dark and ominous, and the constant contact with the spells that crisscrossed the city irritated me. So many centuries of wards, blessings and powers knew what else piled on top of each other. The spells were a necessary evil, intended to guard magicians from the dangers created by living in such close quarters with the nonmagical majority, but knowing that did not make experiencing that magic less disagreeable. For me, traveling through London was like struggling through webs woven by enormous spiders, and each strand of magic tugged at me and muddled my perceptions.” 

Emily Black is a seer—the rarest breed of magician, and the only one in England. In the world of my Bad Witch books, a seer is a magician who can read magical auras and receive prophetic visions. Everyday life is difficult enough for Emily thanks to being bombarded by the energy of other magicians, but living in a city like London that is drenched in centuries of magic is torture.
What’s a girl to do?

The smart thing would be to retreat, but Emily never backs down from a challenge. Instead, she decides to use her seer abilities to fight crime. Or to solve a string of local murders, to be more specific. Emily joins forces with guardian Justine Dubois, and together they’ll change the face of magician society. (And along the way Emily helps Justine find her soul mate, because that’s how Emily rolls.)

I love writing Emily, and I hope that readers enjoy reading Poison in the Blood as much as I enjoyed writing it!

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Robyn Bachar was born and raised in Berwyn, Illinois, and loves all things related to Chicago, from the Cubs to the pizza. It seemed only natural to combine it with her love of fantasy, and tell stories of witches and vampires in the Chicagoland area. As a gamer, Robyn has spent many hours rolling dice, playing rock-paper-scissors and slaying creatures in MMPORGs.


Find Robyn and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Poison In the Blood
Bad Witch: The Emily Chronicles #2

She is honey to his throat…but one sweet taste could part them forever…

Bad Witch: The Emily Chronicles, Book 2

Banished from home while her husband adjusts to life as an immortal, blood-drinking chronicler, Emily Black is homesick, heartsick and struggling under the constant sensory barrage of a city drenched in ancient magic. When an old friend asks for her aid in solving a string of murders, she welcomes the distraction, despite the danger.

Justine Dubois is grateful for a seer’s help, and more understanding than anyone of Emily’s plight. As a guardian, Justine commands respect; as a woman, her magic is considered inferior. Together, they are determined to prove their worth to London’s magicians, starting with solving these murders—with maybe a bit of matchmaking on the side.

Long before he met his soul mate, Michael Black made a commitment to join the Order of St. Jerome. He will live forever, forced to watch the woman he loves age and die. As Emily hunts the murderer, Michael struggles to protect her. But if he loses control of his hunger, the greatest threat to her safety could be Michael himself.

Warning: Contains tortured soul mates, scheming faeries, vampire debauchery, deadly parasols, illicit blood-drinker relations, and adorable plot moppets.

Amazon Barnes & Noble Samhain Publishing Kobo All Romance eBooks
 
Readers can receive 30% off the ebook of Poison in the Blood from the Samhain Store by using the coupon code POISON14 at checkout.
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New Releases 6/29-7/5

Tue July 1

 Awakened (The Belladonna Agency #2) by Virna DePaul 

 Bloodshifted (Edie Spence #5) by Cassie Alexander

 Dark Paradise (Dark Paradise #1) by Angie Sandro 

 Dream Boy by Madelyn Rosenberg, Mary Crockett

 Find Me Where the Water Ends (So Close to You #3) by Rachel Carter

 From Fear to Eternity (Immortality Bites Mystery #3) by Michelle Rowen

 Gilded Lily (Steam and Seduction #3) by Delphine Dryden
How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back (White Trash Zombie #4) by Diana Rowland 

 Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch
Premonitions by Jamie Schultz 

 Some Fine Day by Kat Ross    

 Unwept (The Nightbirds #1) by Tracy Hickman, Laura Hickman 

 Vampire Trouble (Dead in the City #2) by Sara Humphreys

Happy Reading!

Early Review: Cold Hard Secret by Sierra Dean

Cold Hard Secret

Author:Sierra Dean

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Secret McQueen Book #7

ASIN:   B00IF33NAS

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

The Secret’s out, and heads will roll.

Ever since her near-death experience at the hands of the villainous Dr. Kesteral, Secret McQueen hasn’t been the same. As in damaged almost beyond repair. But as usual, Secret has no time to lick her wounds.

Armed to the fangs, she and Desmond embark on a whirlwind quest for revenge that takes them to the sewers of Paris to put an end to Alexandre Peyton. Instead, it’s almost the end of them, and before she can stop him, Peyton rips the veil off her deepest secret.

The devil’s not through muddling up the details, either. An eye-opening confab with Sig in the Big Apple leaves her wondering if she’s ever been in control of her own life at all. Plus, a cryptic postcard sends her racing back to her Manitoba hometown, fearing for her grandmere.

With the Council holding the power of life and death over her head, Secret’s circle of friends is shrinking, while the pool of enemies looking for payback is widening like a pool of her own blood.

Warning: Contains the least romantic Paris getaway in history and an unstoppable hybrid with an impossible choice to make between two men who’ve been to hell and back for her

COLD HARD SECRET has a TON of action in it. It starts with action and ends with action. There is constant moving with no time for rest. Enemies die, a lot is revealed including who exactly Sig is to Secret. It was not the news she wanted to hear.

Secret is still having a hard time with what happened to her in SECRET UNLEASHED. Her relationship with both Desmond and Holden are suffering due to it but they are both very much trying to be there for her. Good news for those that don't care for the Secret tug of war, the love triangle comes to an end. I would like to say I am surprised by Secrets choice but I'm really not. I saw her final choice from the beginning of the series. 

We see a lot of our favorite characters in COLD HARD SECRET. The plot was pulled in many different direction but Sierra made the transitions smooth and made it easy for us to fall into each scene. Be prepared, COLD HARD SECRET ends on a huge cliffhanger. In case you didn't know, book 8 A SECRET TO DIE FOR is the last book for this series. I will miss it but I am excited to see how everything will end.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Week in Review: 6/22-6/28

Books I've Bought/received



Books I've Read

Wicked Magic by Madeline Pryce
Nights End by Yasmine Galenorn
Blade Song by J.C. Daniels
Night Blade by J.C. Daniels
Broken Blade  by J.C. Daniels
Silver Wolf Clan by Tera Shanley
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Reviews Posted

Quick Thought Reviews
Scala by Christina Bauer
The Revealed by Jessica Hickman
Contact Laurisa White Reyes
Past My Defenses by Wendy Sparrow


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

* Monday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry

* Tuesday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Allegiance by Susannah Sandling

* Wednesday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Past My Defenses by Wendy Sparrow

* Thursday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Queen of Wands by Katee Robert

* Friday: Interview for Beyond The Horizon by Wanda Kay Fittro

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?

BlogLovin

Networked Blogs

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You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.

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 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Quick Thought Reviews

Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought reviews. These will be short and sweet.

Scala

Author: Christina Bauer

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Publisher: Monster LLC

Angelbound Book #2

ISBN13:  9780989405041

Genre: Young Adult

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis has transformed into Great Scala, the only being with the power to move souls out of Purgatory and into Heaven or Hell. Trouble is, a magical object called Lucifer’s Orb is limiting Myla’s abilities. If she tries to move a soul, the Orb’s forcing her to send that spirit straight to Hell.

So, what’s a girl to do? Send innocents to the fiery down-under?

No way. Myla’s gone on a supernatural strike. No souls go anywhere until the Orb’s history. It’s the right thing to do, but Purgatory’s Soul Storage buildings are turning into time bombs. No spirits are moving out, while millions keep coming in. Myla’s determined to find the Orb and send the innocent to Heaven, but she’s running out of time. Soon, the containment fields will burst, releasing a mob of homicidal ghosts.

With Soul Storage ready to explode, Myla’s got enough on her plate without her old enemy, Lady Adair, causing problems. Adair is launching an ingenious campaign to take away everything that Myla holds dear, including Myla’s Angelbound love, Prince Lincoln.

Between their clever ideas and toe-curling kisses, Myla and Lincoln are fighting back. But will they beat the clock or lose everything to Adair’s devious schemes?

ANGELBOUND wrapped up the current storyline really well with only a slight conflict with the distance between Myla and Lincoln going into book 2 (as in where they lived) so I was excited to see what could possibly happen. The new conflict didn't surprise me at all but I enjoyed the buildup and wrap up as the story went along.

I could have sworn with the ending that this was the last book in the series but I was informed that book 3 is already available for pre-order so YAY! I wish we could get more from the series but it did a good job of closing all the loose ends and giving the characters a great ending. I enjoyed the overall storyline and character development from the whole series. Nice fast paced read.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

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The Revealed

Author:Jessica Hickman

Release Date: June 17, 2014

Publisher: Spark Press

ISBN:  1940716004

ISBN13: 9781940716008

Genre: Dystopian

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Lily Atwood lives in what used to be called Washington, D.C. Her father is one of the most powerful men in the world, having been a vital part of rebuilding and reuniting humanity after the war that killed over five billion people. Now he’s running to be one of its leaders.

But in the rediscovered peace on Earth, a new enemy has risen. They call themselves the Revealed – a powerful underground organization that has been kidnapping 18 year olds across the globe without reservation. No one knows why they are kidnapping these teens, but it’s clear something is different about these people. They can set fires with a snap of their fingers and create a wind strong enough to barrel over a tree with a flick of their wrist. No one has been able to stop them, and they have targeted Lily as their next victim.

But Lily has waited too long to break free from her father’s shadow to let some rebel organization just ruin everything. Not without a fight. 

I wasn't sure what to expect with THE REVEALED. I would say the book is split up between 3 parts, the buildup and catch up to the big kidnapping, the revealing of the organization and training, and lastly the mission that leads Lily to realize her life is forever changed. 

There is a great amount of smoke and mirrors and conflict in THE REVEALED. I enjoyed the characters. Lily hated her caged life and did everything possible to get a little freedom. The world building was done really well and the action was heart pounding. I would read more.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

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

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Contact

Author:Laurisa White Reyes

Release Date: June 23, 2014

Publisher: Hallowed Ink Press

ISBN13: 9780985848019

Genre: Young Adult

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

 It takes only half a second…

…Like those commercials where a crash test dummy rockets forward at high speed and slams into a wall.
…In that instant, every thought in Emma Lynn Walsh’s head collides with mine—every thought, memory, hope, disappointment and dream.
…I open my eyes to see Dr. Walsh peering at me, a puzzled expression on her face.

“Let—go—of—me,” I order though clenched teeth.

Mira wants to die. She’s attempted suicide twice already, and failed. Every time she comes in contact with another person, skin to skin, that person’s psyche uploads into hers. While her psychologist considers this a gift, for Mira, it’s a curse from which she cannot escape.

To make matters worse, Mira’s father is being investigated in the deaths of several volunteer test subjects of a miracle drug. Shortly after Mira’s mother starts asking questions, she ends up in a coma. Although her father claims it was an accident, thanks to her “condition” Mira knows the truth…but proving it just might get her killed!

 My thoughts were pretty thin after reading CONTACT. I liked it. Mira can not touch anyone without downloading their life's story. She hates it, tries to commit suicide multiple times and has to work through her feelings as she discovers that she isn't who she always thought she was. The book kinda just WAS if that makes sense. It really amazed me that no one would believe that Mira even had her gift and that she had to fight so hard to get anyone to believe her. I liked Mira, she was interesting and I was not bored reading about her but, I wasn't falling all over the book either. Would I recommend it? Probably it was interesting and passed the time nicely.

I gave it 3/5 stars

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

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Past My Defenses

Author:Wendy Sparrow

Release Date: June 23, 2014

Publisher: Entangled: Ignite

Taming the Pack Book #1

ASIN:   B00KP8FDPY

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Vanessa is the fastest Lycan around. In wolf form, the only threat she can’t outrun is her allergies. After a feline dander-bomb takes her down, she wakes up naked in a cage staring at a hot park ranger who had no idea what he’d trapped. But ooooh, he smells so good. Mine.

Dane hoped to tame the silver wolf in his kennel, but all bets are off with the deliciously sweet Vanessa on two legs. Her temper makes his pulse race, and he can’t escape the feeling they belong together.

They’re hot as a forest fire even before they scent-match, but Glacier Peak’s Alpha considers Dane a danger to the pack. Meanwhile, Lycans are being poached, and Vanessa has been targeted. Dane will have to keep her close to protect her, but with Vanessa in heat and mad to mate, who will protect him?

I loved PAST MY DEFENSES. Vanessa was witty and likable. Dane was surprisingly understanding and resilient and the supporting characters and storyline did a great job in keeping my attention. The attraction between Vanessa and Dane was instant and the romance had a nice build up to it. The pack atmosphere was a nice addition to the storyline. 

Sparrow did a great job introducing us to her new paranormal romance series. There is non stop conflict and danger. The mystery stayed a mystery to the very end and The couple had a nice wrap up of their storyline when the book ended. I look forward to seeing which character will be featured next.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

 

Interview: Beyond The Horizon by Wanda Kay Fittro

UFI welcomes Wanda Kay Fritto Author of Beyond the Horizon. Thanks for Joining us!!

This or That

Angels or Demons - Angels, especially fallen ones.

Vampires or Shifters - Shifters (I think I would like to be one)

Left or Right – Left, it's the path less traveled.

Up or Down - Up, you never get anywhere looking down.

Pizza or Pasta – Pizza, you can eat it on the go.

Coffee or Tea – Coffee, the stronger, the better.

Coke or Pepsi - I'm a Coke girl.

YA or Adult - Adult

Knives or Guns – Guns, quick, effective in the right hands and less messy.

Reading or Writing – Hard choice...Writing.

Facebook or Twitter – Facebook

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Wanda Kay Fittro lives in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Southwest Missouri. Born and raised in a small town community, gave her an appreciation for that lifestyle, and provides the inspiration for her novels. A love affair with books started early on while reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the bed covers. She won the prestigious Missouri Literary Festival Reader's Choice award in 2011 for her Civil War short story One, Two, Three.

Find Wanda and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Beyond The Horizon
Buy Link

Katie and Josh, both desperately seeking redemption from their past, discover passion in each other's arms. With danger just around the corner, will love survive? 

When Katie Sullivan makes the hasty decision to run away from an abusive relationship, she has no clue what is ahead of her. She only knows it has to be better than her life up until now. Her boyfriend is a powerful drug dealer who will stop at nothing to get her back. She knows too much. Car trouble leaves her stranded in the middle of Kansas, with little money, and a growing fear of failure. 

Widower Josh Warner works and lives on an elderly couples' farm. He juggles the responsibilities of raising his young son and his passion for the rodeo. Unable to let go of his deceased wife's memory and on the rebound from a misguided affair, he has no desire for another relationship. But, when Katie appears out of nowhere, everything changes. 

Against all reason, Katie and Josh find themselves drawn to each other. If the past catches up to them, their newfound passion, and their lives could be in jeopardy. Can their love win against the evil headed their way?
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Excerpt: 

"You know, it's a nice night for this time of year. Would you like to sit on the front porch for a while? I can meet you out there after I get Chad settled in."

"I don't know..."

"Hate to waste a nice night, especially with winter just around the corner, but suit yourself."

Katie sat alone for a few minutes after he left. What the heck. Why shouldn't I enjoy an evening on the porch? She went upstairs to get her sweater. Whether Josh showed up or not didn't matter. She could use the fresh air. Surely it's worth putting up with him for a little while if he does join her.

In her room, she attempted to check her phone for messages, then remembered it hadn't worked since she dropped it on the floor. Just as well. Katie felt her neck and shoulders relax a little. At least she wouldn't have the constant worry of what message Rick would leave next. She really didn't want to hear his threats or how close he was to finding her. All she wanted was some peace and quiet. Maybe a nice evening on the front porch would be just the ticket.

When she stepped out, Josh stood on the top step looking at the stars. "I love a crisp fall night. It's like you can see clear across the universe. Look how close the Milky Way seems." He reached out his hand as if to touch it.

Katie sat on the wooden swing. The rusty chain squeaked as she moved back and forth.

"Do you know a lot about the stars?"

Josh stepped up, leaned on the porch rail, and faced her. He crossed his long legs, placing his hands on each side. A feeling of ease flowed from him.

"A little. Lisa and I used to stargaze at night on the balcony of our apartment. She bought me a book for one of my birthdays that showed all the names and positions of the constellations. I still don't know where she got it. There aren't any bookstores for miles around." He shook his head and turned back around toward the yard.

Katie fell silent. There really wasn't anything to say. She knew the pain of his loss must run deep.

"The tree frogs and the crickets are really strumming their tunes tonight." Josh broke the awkward silence between them.

Katie stopped the movement of the swing to listen. "That's a sound you don't hear in the city. You don't see a night sky like this either."

"I can't imagine living somewhere without the sights and sounds of nature around. It gives rhythm to a person's life, you know?"

Katie didn't know quite how to answer that. His words were so profound and heartfelt it startled her. Maybe there is more to him than rodeos and wheat fields.

"It is beautiful out here," Katie pulled her sweater around her shoulders tighter. "If I was staying much longer though, I would need a heavier coat. That's something I didn't bring with me."

Josh turned back around to face her. "Looks like you packed in a hurry."

"Yeah, I wasn't thinking very far ahead I guess." Uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation, she changed the subject. "Chad seems to be a really good kid. And smart. He whizzed through his math homework in no time. You should be really proud."

"I am."

A shiver ran through her as a crisp breeze blew onto the porch. Josh sat on the swing, took off his jacket, and placed it around her shoulders. He let his arm rest behind her. Katie resisted the urge to protest. His arm felt comfortable and safe...like it belonged there.

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Queen of Wands by Katee Robert

UFI welcomes Katee Robert Author of The Sanctify Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Falling for Your Big Bad

I have a serious problem. It’s almost a sickness, really. When I read a book or watch a movie or play or whatever form of media, I almost always fall a little in love with the villain. The more charming and likely to murder he is, the harder I fall.

Hannibal? God, that character fascinates me as much as he repels me and I can’t get enough of him. Richard III? I’ve been a little in love with him ever since I read his play in ninth grade and that love has only grown over the years. Death in all his various representations? Yep. Stick a fork in me, I’m done.

So it should come as no surprise that I’m more than a little in love with the villain I created in Sanctify. Oberon. He’s smarter than he has a right to be, cold, and possibly more than a little psychotic. He also has a chip in his shoulder the size of Texas.

Sounds bad, right? This is a guy who’s just as likely to gun you down as he is to hold a conversation. But something happened in QUEEN OF WANDS. He got a little more page time, and he started stealing scenes. It was an EFFORT to rein him in and keep him confined to the spot I had planned for him. If Oberon had his way, he’d have taken over the entire book.

Typical Big Bad—why have a slice when you can have the whole cake?

The problem is that I’d love to give him the whole cake. Oberon might be a mean son of a gun, but he’s very much a product of his upbringing. When you’re raised in the company of hateful zealots, is it any wonder that you grow up looking at every problem as one that can be solved with violence? But, for all that, he’s not a paper doll cut-out. He’s got his own wants and desires and he’s not afraid to look outside the box to make them a reality.

Which is a damn problem as an author. Because the more real and complex he becomes, the more I love him. It’s very much like Khan in the newest Star Trek movie. Who can’t sympathize with him, at least a little? He was willing to burn the world for his family. It doesn’t mean we agree with his methods, exactly, but most of us can totally and completely understand where he was coming from. And, as a result, we feel for him.

That is what makes the best Big Bad. The one who you almost want to root for. And Oberon most definitely falls into that category.

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Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa's knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way--as it often does--and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she'd like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn't want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time--when not lost in Far Reach worlds--playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Find Katee and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Queen of Wands
Sanctify #2
Amazon / BN / Entangled

When Jenny O'Keirna gets a chance to slip her older brother, the new king of Hansarda's, leash, she jumps at it, even if it means playing babysitter to a too-smart-for-his-own-good inventor. She's not expecting the attraction that sparks between them—or that Sanctify is just as desperate to take him for their own.

Never in Mac Flannery's wildest dreams did he imagine Jenny would be the one sent for him. He sees beyond the mad grin the sexy princess of Hansarda presents to the world, and that combination of vulnerability and wicked humor is a siren call he can't resist.

But Sanctify is always three steps ahead of them. On the run—and unable to keep their hands off each other—Jenny and Mac devise an insane plan: kidnap the leader of Sanctify, and stop this war once and for all. Unfortunately, they've just played right into his hands…

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