Review: Betting on Julia by Nina Croft

Betting on Julia

Author: Nina Croft

Release Date: August 25, 2014

Publisher: Entangled: Covet

Melville Sisters Book #2

ISBN:  1622665953

ISBN13: 9781622665952

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source:Publisher

Small, blonde, bubbly, and with a penchant for all things pink, Julia Melville has always considered herself a nice girl – until she was attacked by a werewolf. Months later, and still in total denial, Julia spends the time between full moons fantasizing that her life is normal. And who could be better to help her with that than her new neighbor, handsome accountant, Sebastian Crane.

For two hundred years, Sebastian, a powerful warlock, has been possessed by a demon. Each day, his soul grows darker, and he knows that soon he will be beyond salvation. But the demon loves to gamble, and he’s made Bastian one final bet—get a good woman to say the words “I love you” and he’ll be free.

Julia wants a normal guy. Bastian needs a good woman. Maybe together they can find something far more valuable…redemption.

*Slight spoilers from OPERATION SAVING DANIEL*

BETTING ON JULIA is the second book in the Melville Sisters series. We originally meet Julia in OPERATION SAVING DANIEL (You MUST read it if you haven't yet.) She is Daniel's sister and Melissa's best friend. She was turned into a werewolf at the end of book 1 when she was kidnapped by Daniel's enemies.

Julia didn't know about the paranormal until she was infected and she wants nothing to do with what she has become. Sebastian is a warlock possessed with a demon. He let the demon in during a low point in his life and would love to get rid of him. His chance comes when his demon makes him a deal that brings him to Julia's door. Although there relationship is based on lies from both sided they are pretty hot and heavy and fall for each other rather quickly. As the truth comes out they have to decide what's most important to them or lose the other forever.

It was great visiting with the previous characters from this series. I'm not sure which characters might be featured in book 3 but since the series is titled 'Melville sisters' I have to assume another sister will be thrown into learning about the paranormal. There has not been a book written by Nina Croft that I have not enjoyed. She has a great way with words and her stories are really easy to fall into. If your looking for werewolves and romance this series just might be for you.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

New Releases: 8/24-8/30

Mon Aug. 25th

 Betting on Julia (Melville Sisters #2) by Nina Croft 

 His Secret Superheroine (St. Louis Superheroes #1) by Patricia Eimer 

 Lone Wolfe Protector (Wolfe Creek #1) by Kaylie Newell

Tue Aug. 26th

 Accidentally...Over? (Accidentally Yours #5) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

 The Aftermath by Jen Alexander

 The Beautiful Ashes (Broken Destiny #1) by Jeaniene Frost

 Chasing Before (The Memory Chronicles #2) by Lenore Appelhans

 Don't Let Go (PERSEFoNE #3) by Michelle Gagnon 

 Evernight (Darkest London #5) by Kristen Callihan

 The Far Dawn (The Atlanteans #3) by Kevin Emerson

 Feral by Holly Schindler

 Ghost House (The Ghost House Saga #1) by Alexandra Adornetto

 The Hot Zone (Rainshadow #3) by Jayne Castle 

 Mercy Mode (Contaminated #2) by Em Garner 

 Playing With Fire (Phoenix Fire #3) by Cynthia Eden

 Sanctum (Asylum #2) by Madeleine Roux

 Stone Cold Lover (Gargoyles #2) by Christine Warren

 To Die Fur (Whiskey, Tango & Foxtrot Mystery #2) by Dixie Lyle

 Unborn (Unborn #1) by Amber Lynn Natusch

 Undead with Benefits (Eat, Brains, Love #2) by Jeff Hart 

 Voices from Beyond (Ghost Finders #5) by Simon R. Green 

 Wanted: Wild Thing (Midnight Liaisons #4) by Jessica Sims

Happy Reading!

Review: His Secret Superheroine by Patricia Eimer

His Secret Superheroine

Author: Patricia Eimer

Release Date: August 25, 2014

Publisher: Entangled: Covet

St. Louis Superheroes Book #1

ISBN:   1622665961

ISBN13: 9781622665969

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source: Publisher

All kindergarten teacher Peyton Pearson wants is a nice, quiet life. Unfortunately, quiet isn't something she's had a lot of after tainted medicine turns her into a superhero. She's single, and saving the city from criminals—which is increasingly dangerous as the anti-superhero movement in St. Louis gains traction. Then there's her hot next door neighbor who makes her think super-dirty thoughts, and has no idea who she really is.

Police officer Dylan Wilson is trying to make the world safe by working to unmask all superheroes. When his sexy neighbor, Peyton, is evicted, Dylan offers her his spare room, unknowingly opening his home—and his heart—to the city's most reluctant superhero.

Can love survive when the masks come off?

Peyton's just trying to live a normal and quiet life. Unfortunately normal and quiet was shoved out the window when her ex-husband switched out her birth control pills with a medication that made her into a superhero just like him. Now divorced all she wants to do is teach her students, and pine after the handsome police officer across the street while staying under the radar. When she is evicted, her sexy neighbor Dylan offers up his spare room, only problem is he doesn't like superheros and has no idea she's really Fantastigirl in hiding.

As you can imagine the romance between Peyton and Dylan is anything but smooth. The secret is out pretty early on in the book which is good but a lot of hurt comes out of it on both sides. There were many tissue needing moment so be prepared. I really enjoyed the relationship between Peyton and Dylan's Daughter. She is pretty much the mother figure to this little girl since her mother is a drunk B and it was great to see the feelings develop between the two.

I enjoyed all the secondary characters and the storyline. HIS SECRET SUPERHEROINE was a great start to the St. Louis Superheroes series. I am definitely going to look for book two. If you haven't already read it, Patricia's Speak of the Devil Series was very enjoyable as well and since it has already ended you won't have to wait for a new release!

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Week in Review: 8/17-8/23

Books I've Bought/received

- A Secret to Die For by Sierra Dean- eARC- Author

- A Cursed Bloodline by Cecy Robson - eARC- Netgalley

- Unborn by Amber Lynn Natusch- eARC- NetGalley

Books I've Read

House Immortal by Devon Monk
The Winter Long by Seanan McGuire
Veiled Threat by Shannon Mayer
Tracker by Shannon Mayer
Blind Ravage by Shannon Mayer

Reviews Posted

Tempting Fate by April White
Time of Death: Induction by Shana Festa
Ante Up: Sin City Collectors Novella by Amanda Carlson

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

* Monday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Forget Me Not by Shawn Martin; Cover Reveal & Giveaway for The Day Human King by B. Kristin McMichael

* Tuesday- Release Day Blast for Flight From Hell by Yasmine Galenorn

* Wednesday- Interview & Giveaway for I'll Call You Alice by Ivy Bateman

* Thursday- Release Day Blast & Giveaway for Shadows Awakening by Molle McGregor

* Friday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Saving the Hero by Sabrina Sumsion 

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

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

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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.

Review: Tempting Fate by April White

Tempting Fate

Author: April White

Release Date: June 28, 2014

Publisher: Corazon Entertainment

The Immortal Descendants Book #2

ISBN13: 9780988536807

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

Seventeen-year-old Clocker, Saira Elian is back on the run and being hunted by Mongers. The Descendants of War are amassing power in the 21st century, bent on controlling all the Immortal Descendants. Their attempt to kidnap Saira, a rare Descendant of Time and Nature, reveals just how brazen they’ve become. Archer, the vampire who has loved Saira for over a century, is willing to risk everything to protect her.

When a horrific vision reveals Ringo, thief and loyal companion from 1888, being tortured at the hands of the bloodthirsty Bishop Wilder in a Renaissance prison, Saira and Archer realize there has been a ripple in the river of Time, and they must travel to 1554 to find its source and save their friend. Their rescue mission lures them to the Tower of London, site of the most notorious executions in history, where they encounter the mysterious Lady Elizabeth who is confronting a terrible fate of her own.

The time-traveler, the vampire, and the thief will need all of their skills and ingenuity as they race against time to steal a document that could change the course of history and put the Immortal Descendants at the mercy of the Mongers. Can they stop a madman bent on collecting the blood of history’s most powerful Seer before the executioner’s axe falls?

I love this series, LOVE it. The characters, the time travel (which I usually don't like), the storyline... It just rocks! It has been a long wait but TEMPTING FATE was so worth it.

It doesn't take long for the action to start. In fact the books open up with Saira running through the woods from danger, getting your heart pumping with a nice pace and the pace doesn't slow down until the book is over. The blurb does a really fantastic job of explaining what book 2 was about. I really loved that all of our favorite characters are involved at some point. Ringo is a pretty important part of the group and I couldn't imagine him not being involved. The world building that goes into a series like this is pretty extensive and April does such a good job of making it easy to understand. I had no problem picturing myself in the book at any point. So much happens in TEMPTING FATE and I don't want to give anything away, but know that no one is left unchanged in some way by the end.

The relationship between Saira and Archer isn't easy. Archer has loved Saira for a really long time while Saira has only loved him for a short amount compared. Archer gives Saira her space to figure things out but it takes something drastic for her to finally realize she can't live without him and even after that she has to find a way to let him into her life and stop doing everything on her own. Their relationship is pretty strong by the end of TEMPTING FATE and I admit it is one of my favorite parts of the series.

All that I wanted when TEMPTING FATE ended was to read more. April PLEASE don't make us wait as long as we did for book 2, I need more.

I gave it 5/5 stars

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

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Saving the Hero by Sabrina Sumsion

UFI welcomes Sabrina Sumsion Author of Saving the Hero. Thanks for Joining us!!

Top Six Tips to Survive a Vampire Attack 

Kassy here. Mike recommended that I write a list of tips to survive a vampire attack. He probably thinks it will be cathartic for me to write down what I’ve learned or something. I’m not sold on the idea, but Uncle Mark kept a journal, so who am I to judge?

1. Bring the right weapon -Sure, the popular mythology says to carry a stake because vampires can only be killed by jamming wood in their hearts. The vampires want you to think that because they have a constant adrenalin rushing making them stronger than you or I. Don’t engage in hand-to-hand combat if at all possible. Get your concealed carry permit. You can claim self defense if you shoot them –and you’re telling the truth.

2. Avoiding an attack is the best way to survive an attack -Do not walk down alleys alone at night. I mean, really. Who does that? It’s not safe. You’ve seen a million movies where the victim gets whacked in some dark place because they decided to go alone. If at all possible, have someone with you and travel during the day.

3. Keep your loved ones close -If your loved one starts acting funny, watch them closely. Do they ask for a rare steak when they usually like medium? Do they sniff the air as you and others walk past? Any wild looks in their eye? This is especially important if they were bitten or exposed to someone else’s blood or saliva in any way. Keep an eye on your loved ones. If we’d known what to look for, maybe my life would have been different. I could have been an ignorant bystander like most people.

4. Using restraint is the best policy –Do you own handcuffs and chains? If not, go buy some. You never know when someone you know will go off the deep end as the parasite gains more control.

5. Run loud –Always run away if possible. Yeah, if it’s a vampire he or she will be faster than you, but if you’re screaming your head off, there’s a chance that your attacker will decide to find an easier and quieter prey. I’d give it a 50/50 chance with this tactic. Really, the hunger of the leech will dictate whether they give chase or not.

6. Stay away from the teeth –If there’s anything you can do that will help keep the vampire’s teeth off you, do it. Once you’re bit, it’s over for you. You turn into a blood-sucker and wait for a Guard to find you and take you out, end things yourself, or chain yourself for 30 days and let the parasite kill you. None of those are great options.

Well, there are six things. I hope whoever reads this isn’t looking for bright and cheery news. This is the world you live in whether you know it or not.

Kassandra McDougal

__________________________________

I’m a ninja disguised as a homeschooling mom, former literary publicist, craft-aholic and all around reading diva. Really, I kick down doors –no, wait, that was my husband when I locked us out of the house . . . Well, I engage in combat on a regular basis –online when I play MMORPGs with my children . . . OK, maybe I’m not a real ninja but my husband says I stole his heart. Does that count?

No? Shoot. Well, I love reading and I love writing. I think imagination is the biggest advantage a child can get in life and I try to allow my children many opportunities to expand theirs every day.

I love teaching authors how to avoid publishing traps and scams as well as how to market themselves and their works. There is nothing better in life than giving someone information that helps them become successful.

I also take a few hours each week and create jewelry, make lotions or paint something. I have little creation stations scattered through the house. My daughter gets into it a lot and scatters things which drives my husband crazy but remember how I mentioned that he says I stole his heart? Yeah. I’m not giving it back. He’s stuck with me forever. Bwah ha ha ha!

Find Susan and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Saving the Hero
Saving the Hero #1

 Two and a half weeks. That’s all the time he has left.

When loner vampire hunter Kassy is interrupted by nosy veteran, Mike, he ends up bitten, and infected with the vampire parasite. The warrior becomes her prey as she fights to find him before powerful vamps. A couple kidnappings later, she’s hiding in a cabin with him chained to the floor, and an eight-year-old girl in her care.

Death? Inevitable. When the parasite takes control, he’ll do or say anything to get non-infected blood—including seducing her. But, as they spend time together, she finds her resolve weakening. A kiss won’t fix him, but it might mend a deep hole in her heart.

Kassy is too practical to believe in miracles, but if he survives eighteen days without ingesting human blood, there is a chance he could be the hero she's been looking for.

Odds are, he’s a dead man.

__________________________________

US ONLY

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Release Day Blast & Giveaway: Shadows Awakening by Molle McGregor

Shadow's Awakening
by Molle McGregor
Publication Date: August 21, 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Purchase from: Amazon • Nook • Kobo • iBooks • 

Synopsis

Hannah Green wants her life back. In the past three years she’s gone from promising graduate student to patient in a mental hospital. Now, she’s being held prisoner by a terrifying group of men who believe she has a mysterious power. She wants to think they’re wrong, but something inside her has changed. If only she could use her p0wer to set herself free.

Conner’s entire life, he’s played by the rules. He’s a soldier. A leader. He knows better than anyone that contact with the Shadows is forbidden. So when a midnight phone call demands he rescue one from a nest of demons, he has no intention of following through. Until he sets eyes on Hannah. Brave, beautiful and determined to survive. Conner can’t walk away.

When you’ve worked so hard to make the right choices, temptation can be a kind of torture. Conner knows he should turn Hannah over to the Shadows. Hannah wants to be grateful for her rescue and let Conner go. But when love and desire bind two strangers together, they have to choose between what they think is right and what they know they need.

Also in the Series

 

About Molle McGregor

Molle’s writing career started when she was seven and suffered terrible insomnia. Night after night she couldn’t sleep until long after mid-night, only to wake a few hours later. Frustrated with her inability to just go to bed, (and her penchant for sneaking a book and a flashlight under the covers) her grandmother said, “You like to read so much, why don’t you tell yourself a story until you fall asleep.” With this brilliant advice, Molle’s overactive brain was off and running. Now, years later, she’s finally taught herself to sleep, but she’s never stopped telling stories.

When she’s not reading, writing, or staring into space making things up, Molle is getting into trouble with her husband, two sons, two dogs and vicious attack cat in the mountains of North Carolina. She likes to hike, cook, listen to music way too loud, and hang out with her boys. She does not like dusting or emptying the dishwasher.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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