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.

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Reap & Repent 

Author: Lisa Medley

Release Date: June 2, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin E
The Reapers Book #1

ISBN:  1460330781

ISBN13: 9781460330784

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source: Author

They see death. Can they share a life?

Ruth Scott can read the energy of every person she meets--yellow is happy, green is peaceful, red is aroused. She can even see the brilliant white light that glows just before death. Then she meets Deacon Walker. She can see his ice-blue eyes, his black hair and his gorgeous face. But this beautiful stranger has no aura.

Deacon is just as unsettled by Ruth--and, having spent more than two hundred years ushering souls to Purgatory and battling demons, Deacon is seldom shocked by anything. He's a Reaper. What, he wonders, is Ruth?

A demon invasion forces Deacon to confront the darkness in his own past even as he fights to save the human souls he's charged to protect. When he's taken captive, his first concern is for Ruth. Wielding her newly awakened and untested powers is the only way to save herself --and the Reaper she can't live without.

REAP & REPENT is one of those books that I enjoyed reading while I was reading it, but quickly forgot about. I know that is horrible, but its the only way I can explain why it made my 'Quick Thought Reviews' post.

I remember that the characters were easy to like, the storyline was interesting and the world building made it easy to understand what was happening. I wasn't crazy about the different POV's but it wasn't overly horrible. I remember enjoying the reaper aspect and the team that was formed with Deacon, Ruth, a friend of Deacons and then eventual a fellow reaper that the group saved from hell. Unfortunately I can't remember much more than that. I might continue the series, I might not.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

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

Author:A.J. Larrieu

Release Date: August 18, 2014

Publisher: Carina Press

The Shadowminds Book #2

ISBN13: 9781426898839

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

After years of denial, Cass Weatherfield has finally accepted her telekinetic gifts. Living with her boyfriend, Shane, has given her the confidence to be herself, but the fear of losing control and harming those around her is always present.

Knowing firsthand the hell of growing up without a mentor, she agrees to meet and help Diana, a young Shadowmind. But when Cass shows up, the terrified woman changes her nd and flees. Cass and Shane track her across New Orleans, and soon discover that Diana is being held against her will by an illicit organization that’s selling her rare clairvoyant skills to the highest bidder. In charge is an ancient creature more powerful than any they’ve ever encountered. And apparently she wants Shane dead. 

Cass and Shane work to free Diana. But as Cass uses more and more power, drawing it from her friends in the fight against evil, she feels an addictive pull that challenges her control. And, in the end, Cass may be the greatest threat to those she loves the most.

If you read TWISTED MIRACLES you know that Cass had a really hard time accepting her powers. It was great to see her more confident and ready to use them in DANGEROUS CALLING because she had to use them often. Book 2 has tons of action, lots of danger, and more answers surrounding the characters and storyline.

The relationship between Cass and Shane is pretty strong throughout the book. Some stuff does happen and I was really happy with the outcome. It really showed how committed they are to each other and willing to stick behind each other for the long haul. Really enjoyed the additional character that was introduced. Will definitely read more.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Author:Keri Arthur

Release Date: August 26, 2014

Publisher: Dell
Spook Squad Book #1

ISBN:  044024658X

ISBN13: 9780440246589

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

MORTAL RECALL

For Sam Ryan, life began at age fourteen. She has no memory of her parents or her childhood. In a decade of service with the State Police, Sam has exhausted the resources of the force searching for clues to her identity. But all mention of her family seems to have been deliberately wiped off the record. Everything changes the night Sam’s missing partner resurfaces as a vampire... and forces her to kill him in self-defense. Now Sam is charged with murder. Suspended from the force, and with no one left to trust, Sam accepts some unexpected help from Gabriel Stern, a shapeshifter who conceals startling secrets.

While investigating the circumstances surrounding her partner’s strange behavior, Sam discovers that Garbriel’s been involved with a dangerous organization that’s planning a war on the human race. More immediate, someone is guarding the truth about Sam’s past—someone who’d rather see her dead than risk her knowing too much. To stay alive, Sam must unravel the threads of her past—and find out not only who she is but what she is.

I love Keri Arthur's writing, but I probably would've never thought to read this series because of the old covers. It would have been a horrible decision on my part because I quickly became hooked to the story and characters once I started reading. There was a lot of investigating, action and paranormal involved in MEMORY ZERO. I loved the mystery surrounding Sam's past and the tension between her and Gabriel was delicious and annoying at the same time. I can't wait to see how the series will play out.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Author:Rebekah L. Purdy

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Publisher: Entangled Teen

ISBN:  1622663683

ISBN13: 9781622663682

Genre: YA Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

An engrossing, complex, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore or Maggie Stiefvater, set in a wholly unique world.

Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn't forgotten their warning to "stay away." For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the "special gifts" that must be left at the back of the property.
 


Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she'll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.

I enjoyed this book. It had some slow parts, but it always managed to keep me interested. Lots of mystery and spookiness surrounding Salome and the boys that are 'protecting' her. You slowly get the information you need to find out what's really going on, but you still don't have the full picture until the very end. It had me on the edge of my seat for pretty much the whole book and I couldn't read it fast enough. My only issues was with the 'triangle' that was presented. I just didn't always understand some feelings that were expressed.

I have a whole lot to say about THE WINTER PEOPLE, but it made my 'Quick Thought Reviews' post because I JUST CAN'T tell you anything about the book without giving something away.

I gave it 4/5 stars 

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

Red Blooded

Author: Amanda Carlson

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Publisher: Orbit

Jessica McClain Book #4

ISBN:  0316404330

ISBN13: 9780316404334

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley
 

After Jessica's brother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld, she will stop at nothing to get him back. But before her grueling training is finished, Jessica's power mixes unexpectedly with the circle and she's dropped into the Underworld without protection or her escorts.

I hate to admit it because I am a HUGE fan of the Jessica McClain series, but RED BLOODED just didn't do it for me. Carlson's version of hell was ok, but not that exciting. The Lili storyline was very predictable and I really hate that once again Jessica was away from most of those she loved and the wolves for a good chunk of the book. On a positive note, we do get some really good answers in regards to the prophecies that have plagued Jessica from birth.

I'm hoping the story goes back to the feel of the earlier Jessica books (the ending does seem promising) because I'm not sure if I would continue enjoying the series if the shift in feel is permanent.

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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A Human Element

Author: Donna Galanti

Release Date: July 24, 2014

Publisher: Imajin Books

ASIN:  B00M45L8C

Genre: Paranormal

Review Copy Source: Author
 

One by one, Laura Armstrong's friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her special healing powers, there is nothing she can do to stop it. The killer haunts her dreams and leaves cryptic notes advising her to use her powers to save herself because she's next. Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to her hometown and the site of a crashed meteorite. There she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents' death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a mad man, they unravel a frightening mystery that binds them together. But the killer's desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts her relationship with Ben in jeopardy and her pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to the stranger and she has two choices - redeem him or kill him.

At first I really enjoyed A HUMAN ELEMENT. It was mysterious, a bit spooky and I thought the concept was unique. All those elements continued throughout the book, but it lost me about halfway through when it didn't pick up speed. I slowly started to lose interest in the story all together and had to force myself to finish it with the slow pace. I did like the characters and the overall storyline was interesting. There is a book 2 coming A HIDDEN ELEMENT, but I'm just not invested enough in the story to want to continue it.

I gave it 2.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
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Interview & Giveaway: Shadow's Awakening by Molle McGregor

 

Shadow's Awakening 

by Molle McGregor 

Publication Date: August 21, 2014 

Genres: Paranormal, Romance

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.

Interview:

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

 

I’m a pretty big geek. I love tinkering with computers, and I used to design websites. I don’t have a great eye for design, but I loved the technical aspects of putting the sites together. I do all the home theater stuff in my house and I have to say, we have a pretty awesome system J I don’t know how to write code very well, but I have an app to teach coding to kids and my son and I are learning together. So I can code as well as a five year old. 

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

 

Mainly reading J When I’m not curled up with a book, I like yoga, hiking, hanging out with my boys, watching movies and occasionally knitting when I can get the time away from grabby little hands. And cooking. 

What is your Favorite part of writing? 

 

Feeling the story come together and take on it’s own momentum. There’s usually a point when it all takes off on it’s own and I’m just trying to keep up. That’s the most fun. 

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

 

I seem to write best at my laptop and not all that well at a desk. And I need quiet or at least consistent background noise. It also helps to have at least a few hours in a row to work. I’ve tried to work in short bursts and by the time I’ve fiddled around with email, not much gets done. I’ve learned this summer that I don’t write well when I’m on vacation or when my older son – who doesn’t nap – is home from school. 

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

 

Nalini Singh, Kresley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Alexandra Ivy, JR Ward, Patricia Briggs and SM Reine are some of my favorites. The first paranormal romance I read was from the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon and it changed my life. I remember thinking, “This is what I’ve been dying to read all these years!” 

How would you pitch Shadow's Awakening to someone who has not heard of it before?

 

Hannah has spent the last few years watching her life swirl down the drain. She’s lost her mother, has an undiagnosed mental illness and, when the story opens, is being held prisoner. When Conner helps her escape, he doesn’t just free her from her prison, he introduces her to a whole new world. She’s not sick, she’s an untrained Shadow, one of an ancient breed of demon fighters. Conner’s mission is to reunite her with her people, not to fall for her. When they confront secrets, lies and corruption, things get far more complicated than Conner or Hannah are prepared for. 

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that the Shadow Warder series is set in? 

 

The main characters in the Shadow Warder world are the Warders and the Shadows, ancient warriors created to protect humanity from the Vorati demons. Over fifteen hundred years ago, the Shadows and Warders were driven apart by betrayal. Since then, they have worked apart, all contact between them forbidden. But the Vorati demons are gaining in strength and they aren’t strong enough on their own to keep their human charges safe. As their world changes, they’ll have to decide if they want to hold on to the past, or look to their future. 

Do you have a favorite scene in Shadow's Awakening?

 

It’s hard to pick since there are favorite parts all through the book, but I think my very favorite scene is the one where Conner helps Hannah escape captivity. In the first draft, Hannah was fairly passive. But that wasn’t really her. As it ended up, she takes control and works with Conner to help herself. I loved seeing that strength of will in her. And so did Conner. 

Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

 

Zach is probably the most fun. He’s a Shadow Oracle and a bit of a smart ass. But his attitude masks the heavy weight of his foresight. Both Kate and Sorcha are the hardest. I feel deeply for both of them, and while I think that makes for a better story, it can also make it harder to write. Kate is very angry. She has her reasons, and sometimes her anger makes her funny, but knowing the source of her pain, it also makes it uncomfortable to dig into. Sorcha is the heroine of the second book in the Shadow Warder Series, which I’m finishing right now. I absolutely love her. And I’m really having fun bringing her together with Kiernan. But some of the challenges she faces are more heart wrenching to me than I expected. 

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

 

I plan to continue with The Shadow Warder Series, as well as introduce a new series next year. The Delectavi Series will take place in the same world as the Shadow Warders, but it deals with another set of characters. The books will be a combination of paranormal and erotic romance. A little racier than the Shadow Warder series, and a bit less serious. But not completely - I’m not sure I can do lighthearted. So far the plan is a little more sex and a little less fighting. But we’ll see how they come out J

 

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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Interview & Giveaway : Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

UFI welcomes Deborah Blake Author of Wickedly Dangerous. Thanks for Joining us!!

 1. When Barbara walks into a room, what music is playing as her theme song and why?

The Flood, by Katie Melua (she’s a fabulous British singer, in case people haven’t heard of her). Because there is something wild and magical and untamable about the song, just like Barbara.

2. Who would win in a fight and why: Chudo in dragon form, or the Hungarian Horntail Harry Potter faces in the Triwizard Tournament?

Chudo-Yudo, of course. Because he is not only a dragon, he’s magical to boot. He can change his shape in an instant, and also, he’s immortal, so he’s been around long enough to have learned quite a few tricks (some of them undoubtedly pretty underhanded).

3. If you could perform a spell/use magic like Barbara in the book, which one would it be and why?

I would definitely like to do magic to heal our poor abused planet. Although that one to conjure up pie would be pretty good too.

4. What is the absolute hardest thing about writing fiction vs. non-fiction?

Creativity. It is tough to write well no matter what you are writing, but with fiction you have to create people, situations, and sometimes entire worlds from scratch, and there are no shortcuts.  (This is also the most fun thing about writing fiction vs. non-fiction, btw.)

5. Finish this sentence: No matter what, my heroes will always…?

Be guys I would want to meet in real life. (I should be so lucky.)

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Deborah Blake is the award-winning author of Circle, Coven and Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice (Llewellyn 2007), Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft (Llewellyn 2008), The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch (Llewellyn 2009), Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook (July 2010), Witchcraft on a Shoestring (Llewellyn 2010). and, Everyday Witch Book of Rituals (Llewellyn 2012). She has published numerous articles in Llewellyn annuals, as well as other Pagan publications, and her ongoing column, “Magick on a Shoestring” is featured in Witches & Pagans Magazine.

Deborah’s paranormal romance series, The Baba Yaga will be coming in 2014 from Berkley Publishing.

Find Deborah and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Wickedly Dangerous
Baba Yaga #1

 Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Older than she looks and powerful beyond measure, Barbara Yager no longer has much in common with the mortal life she left behind long ago. Posing as an herbalist and researcher, she travels the country with her faithful (mostly) dragon-turned-dog in an enchanted Airstream, fulfilling her duties as a Baba Yaga and avoiding any possibility of human attachment.

But when she is summoned to find a missing child, Barbara suddenly finds herself caught up in a web of deceit and an unexpected attraction to the charming but frustrating Sheriff Liam McClellan.

Now, as Barbara fights both human enemies and Otherworld creatures to save the lives of three innocent children, she discovers that her most difficult battle may be with her own heart…

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Review: Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Dangerous

Author: Deborah Blake

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Publisher: Berkley

Baba Yaga Book #1

ISBN:   0425272923

ISBN13: 9780425272923

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Publisher

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Older than she looks and powerful beyond measure, Barbara Yager no longer has much in common with the mortal life she left behind long ago. Posing as an herbalist and researcher, she travels the country with her faithful (mostly) dragon-turned-dog in an enchanted Airstream, fulfilling her duties as a Baba Yaga and avoiding any possibility of human attachment.

But when she is summoned to find a missing child, Barbara suddenly finds herself caught up in a web of deceit and an unexpected attraction to the charming but frustrating Sheriff Liam McClellan.

Now, as Barbara fights both human enemies and Otherworld creatures to save the lives of three innocent children, she discovers that her most difficult battle may be with her own heart…

Barbara is KICK BUTT. Although I'm not crazy about her name lol. She doesn't 'feel' like a Barbara, but I understand it goes with Baba Yaga so I will let it slide. Her dog, who's really a dragon, is pretty darn cool too. She is loyal to those she considers friends, she was confident in her position, and she did a great job of solving the mysteries she was presented with. She just had a great air about her and the legend of Baba Yaga kept me intrigued at every turn.

Barbara isn't quite used to bringing someone into her life, but it seems like Liam makes it easy. He gets under her skin and they just work together. He takes things pretty well and it's nice that their relationship grew slowly, it made it feel more real. I enjoyed both of the worlds that Deborah Blake presented to us. We have the modern world and the Otherworld. The characters spend time in both and both were well built.

The whole book was pretty darn enjoyable. I am a bit sad that book 2 won't follow Barbara and Liam, but I am still excited to see what Beka will bring to the series and I am hopeful that we will see Barbara and Liam again.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Interview: Boss's Orders: Flirting with Friends by Kelliea Ashley

Hello, I'm Lizzie Schwep from Boss's Orders. My author, Kelliea Ashley has tagged me to answer these interview questions. She thinks I'm more interesting. Really? She created me. =)
 
Angels or Demons –I would have to say Angels might be a bit tedious. I imagine they would always have to be right with no room for the gray areas. Kind of the way I thought my former boss liked things. Boy, was I wrong. I'd have to go with Demons because they seem more my style.

Vampires or Shifters – Shifters. I would hate to feel like someone's food supply. If anyone's doing the biting, I'd prefer it to be me.

Left or Right –Both. I'm not the kind of woman who likes being put in a box. Give me wondrous variety, and lots of it.

Up or Down –Again, breaking the mold, but both. Life has to be like a rollercoaster with ups and downs, otherwise we wouldn't feel anything, we'd just be flat. No one likes flat. *winks*

Pizza or Pasta –Pasta. I make a mean spaghetti sauce.

Coffee or Tea – Coffee. This girl needs the morning cup to function.

Coke or Pepsi – Neither, I'm an orange soda fan.

YA or Adult – Adult. No contest. When I read a story I want it to be exciting and titillating.

Knives or Guns – Knives have many uses, whereas a gun can only be used to kill or maim. Knives can dice and slice meat or veggies, and even cut through silk bonds when one ties them too tightly.

Reading or Writing – Reading.

Facebook or Twitter- Facebook. I love the funny sayings and pics on my friend's Facebook accounts.

Thanks for having me here, but I really must get back to my ex-boss/demanding love.

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Kelliea Ashley knew at a young age that she wanted to be a writer. She has finally found a home at Breathless Press writing the genres she loves to read. A nominee for 2013's RONE Award for Paranormal Romance and winner of Breathless Press's Best of 2013 Contemporary Romance, she is happily following her dream. If you would like to contact her, you can do so by using the following links. Kelliea loves to hear from readers and reviewers alike.



Find Kelliea and her books

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Boss's Orders: Flirting with Friends
 Buy Link

What's a girl to do when her hot boss makes her his emergency contact? Why follow orders and kiss his pain away, of course. 

Lizzie Schwep has fought her attraction to Brian Monroe for three long years, but when an accident leaves him in need of some tender loving care she finds herself ready to toss in the towel. 

Brian Monroe is comfortable being the boss. He's avoided a messy situation by keeping hands off his sexy assistant, but when he's suddenly dependent on Lizzie, he finds himself tempted to break all the rules and follow her every order.

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Excerpt:

"My panties are not in a twist." He insisted roughly. "I know we've had this argument before, but those guys were memorizing your ass in those too-tight jeans while you were bent over."

Oh, so that was what got him so pissy. Interesting.
 
"So?" She wanted to laugh, but kept her face straight as she envisioned steam escaping his ears.

"You really don't mind being ogled by a bunch of sweaty movers?" He eyed her tight gray T-shirt once more.

"I'm flattered."

"Flattered! Are you so hard-up for male attention that you look for trouble like that?"

"Trouble? Seriously? They were harmless men." She scowled at him and got up to grab the bag of bedding she had purchased for the twin bed. "As for needing attention, every woman likes male attention." Irritation grew as he continued to glare at her while she made the bed.

"And how dare you insult me about liking it, when every woman you've dated since I met you earns their living by sashaying their asses in front of men and cameras?" She snapped the top sheet with excess energy and began tucking it under at the foot. "Talk about a hypocrite, Brian baby."

"Eaves-dropping were you?" He actually grinned at her and she blew her hair out of her eyes. It had escaped her loose bun while she was beating the sheets into place.

"Why do you date women who are more concerned with their diets than with you? Oh, that's right! Because they have size two bodies and point two IQ's."

"You pay a lot of attention to my sex life, Schwep. Should I be worried about you becoming a stalker?" He laughed outright as she sputtered.

"You should be so lucky, Monroe."

Review: The Winter Long by Seanan McGuire

The Winter Long

Author: Seanan McGuire

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Publisher: DAW

October Daye Book #8

ISBN:   0756408083

ISBN13: 9780756408084

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Publisher

Toby thought she understood her own past; she thought she knew the score.

She was wrong.

It's time to learn the truth.

Short blurb. Let's just say she's back and she's crazy good as usual! With each book, October is able to find out more and more about herself and her family. THE WINTER LONG dives even further into not only Toby's past but also another firstborn is revealed and it throws just about everyone into a tailspin. There is a ton of action in book 8, a few twists and some near death experiences. Toby's fae powers continue to grow and her posse of loved ones are always on her side to help her through any situation she seems to find herself in.

It's been interesting watching the relationships October has with certain people grow and cease to exist with others.When the going gets tough you find out who your real friend are and Toby's life gets tough very often. I love how the relationship between Toby and Tybalt has grown and I absolutely LOVED the ending of THE WINTER LONG. I can't wait to see how their decisions play out.

I absolutely love that we don't get cliff hangers from this series(Too much love?). The author does a great job of wrapping up the storyline for each book while still getting us to want more. Just when you think you know the score she changes it up just a tad bit to get you all excited about what's to come. The October Daye series has a permanent spot on my bookshelf so as long as Seanan keeps writing, I will keep reading.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

Guest post & Giveaway: Memory War by Paul Anthony Shortt

Meet Nathan Shepherd

"My name is Nathan Shepherd, and I remember."
 
Every story needs a hero. I first decided I wanted to be an author when I was 12, and soon after that I began writing down ideas for a series of books about a vampire hunter. This would be a character that embodied everything I wanted to see in a hero. He'd get back up no matter how hard he got knocked down. He'd never quit. And he wasn't interested in rewards or any other kind of prize at the end. He just wanted to help.

Well some 22 years on, and that character has evolved and changed over time into Nathan Shepherd. One of the reborn, he is able to remember past lives, and in doing so, re-learn skills and knowledge from those lives, as well as draw their strength into his own body for brief periods to give him an edge against the monsters he faces.

Nathan began the Memory Wars series as a bored administrator working in the New York Department of Records. Along with his friend, Cynthia, he used to follow missing persons cases and reports of strange animal attacks. Using his access to death certificates and her position in the Medical Examiner's Office, they would investigate where they could, and call in anonymous tips to the police.

That all changed the night Nathan dragged Cynthia to a condemned building, where a woman's body had been found, not far from where a man's body had more recently been discovered, both dead from sudden heart failure, despite being young and healthy. That night plunged both of them into the supernatural world hidden in the New York streets. Both came out of the experience with scars, mental and physical, and both knew that they couldn’t simply stand back and allow vampires, ghouls, and other creatures prey upon the city's inhabitants.

Since then, Nathan has led the fight against New York's immortal masters. He has lost much in this fight. His job and his father were the first to go, along with his girlfriend leaving him. In Silent Oath he not only encountered the reincarnation of his past lovers, Elena DeSantis, but also confronted his nemesis, Athamar. Though Nathan and Elena were able to stop Athamar, and the goddess Morrigan, from enacting their plans, both were left shaken by the revelations of their most recent past incarnations.

Nathan cannot let the rest of his allies know the dark things he has done, no matter how noble his intentions had been at the time. New York needs strength now, as war comes in the wake of Athamar's return. It needs hope. It needs Nathan and Elena to stand united.

But even together, they may not be strong enough to stop Athamar this time. Only by braving their most ancient incarnations can they hope to find the key to Athamar's defeat. What they find could shake the foundations of the world, and force them to make decisions they never imagined.

In the end, Nathan knows that Athamar will settle for nothing less than to personally end his life, as painfully as possible. Can Nathan defeat such an enemy, who has mercilessly hunted him and Elena throughout their lifetimes? Even if he can, what hope can there be of defeating a foe who will always come back?

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A child at heart who turned to writing and roleplaying games when there simply weren't enough action figures to play out the stories he wanted, Paul Anthony Shortt has been writing all his life.

Growing up surrounded by music, film and theatre gave him a deep love of all forms of storytelling, each teaching him something new he could use. When not playing with the people in his head, he enjoys cooking and regular meet-ups with his gaming group.

He lives in Ireland with his wife Jen and their dogs, Pepper and Jasper. Their first child, Conor William Henry Shortt, was born on July 11th, 2011. He passed away three days later, but brought love and joy into their lives and those of their friends.

The following year, Jen gave birth to twins, Amy and Erica. Their fourth child, Olivia, was born in January, 2014.

Find Paul and his books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Memory War
Memory War #3
Available at Amazon

War is coming to New York. Nathan Shepherd's growing band of followers is dedicated to protecting the city, but they now face their greatest threat.

Athamar returns, plunging the city into chaos. Uniting the forces of darkness against Nathan and his allies, Athamar strives to discover a secret hidden for thousands of years. A secret lost to Nathan's memories. Something so dangerous, even the gods themselves fear it.

Nathan and Elena were once the greatest of heroes, champions against evil. Now, haunted by Nathan's past-life betrayal, they must work together and brave the pain of long-buried lifetimes. Somewhere, locked within their former incarnations, lies the key to stopping Athamar, an enemy who has hunted them from one incarnation to the next.

As the city burns and innocents suffer, as heroes fall and hope dies, Nathan and Elena face their final battle, a battle where legends will be reborn.

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Excerpt Chapter One
 
Tuxedos were the worst. At least in the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, even during the Renaissance, clothing, men’s especially, was designed to allow enough freedom of movement to fight or defend oneself. The 21st century had long seen the end of that. Nathan Shepherd’s feet blistered in polished shoes. He was sure they were too small, despite what the man in the rental store had said, and found himself longing for a practical form of battle dress which would also go with black tie events.

He scanned the ballroom as he descended the marble steps. The scent of expensive perfume drifted across the air, accompanied by the gentle sway of a string quartet on the stage. Tugging at his collar, Nathan walked to the buffet table and plucked a glass of champagne.

“Status?” Cynthia Keller’s voice crackled in his earpiece.

“Champagne’s not bad,” he said, softly. “Not sure about the caviar though.”
“You’re supposed to be watching the mayor.”

“I’m getting into character.”

“Well listen, 007, we’ve got four people who just went in through the kitchen door and one of them looks a lot like Lucius.”

Lucius was a vampire, one of the top-ranking enforcers for the Council of Chains. He’d been seen on the street a lot since Dorian went missing last year.

“Were they armed?” Nathan asked, sipping the champagne.

“Couldn’t see,” Cynthia replied. “Nothing big, at least. No heavy bags or boxes that could conceal large amounts of weaponry.”

“How are they going to do this?”

“Poison?” Cynthia said. “That’s how they got the chief of police.”

“Difficult,” Nathan said. So many people were taking hors d’oeuvres and drinks from tables and passing servers that it would be impossible to predict what the mayor would take. “Unless they poison something other than the food,” Nathan said. He frowned. It was something to watch for.

“What else is there?” Cynthia asked. “This is too big for a bomb or a shooter.”

“Keep me posted on anything suspicious entering or leaving the building,” Nathan said, sipping his drink and wandering along the dance floor. The crowd on the dance floor parted and he saw the mayor speaking to a group seated at a table.

“I have him,” Nathan said. “Tommy, what’s your status?” This was Tommy’s first time in the field, and he was doing everything he could not to seem nervous.

“Uh, restroom,” his voice came back through Nathan’s earpiece.

“You’re supposed to be by the stage.”

“Sorry boss,” Tommy said. “Must have been the crab meat crackers.”

“I’ve got Green,” Nathan said. “I need your eyes out here.”

“I’ll do my…” The sound of Tommy’s voice was replaced by retching and the splash of liquid hitting liquid. Nathan’s stomach turned a little.

“Just give me a minute,” Tommy said, coughing.

Movement caught Nathan’s eye. Four men moving through the crowd, shoulders set back and arms loose. They were ready to pounce. “I don’t have a minute.” Where was Lucius?

One of them nodded across the ballroom. Nathan turned to follow the gaze and spotted Lucius emerging from a staff door. Nathan set his glass down and started across the dance floor.
Then he saw her, flowing across the floor in a backless scarlet dress, split along the sides to reveal her sculpted calves and thighs. Three ebony hairpins held her long black hair in a coiled bun, leaving only a few tantalising locks framing her face. She turned and narrowed her eyes. He wondered how many other people would have been able to spot the marks on her arms and back where she’d used make-up to cover her scars. Marks earned in battle. Nathan’s gaze drifted of its own accord, up each curve from her hips to her neck, settling for a moment on her blood red lips and wide, practiced smile. Her sea green eyes fixed him and she advanced, sweeping toward him and locking her arms around his shoulders.

“Elena,” he said. “What are you doing here?”

“Making sure you get out alive,” she said. Her smile never faltered. She pulled Nathan into the crowd as the musicians started up a new piece.

“I don’t have time to dance.” He tried to pull away, but Elena held him firm. Nathan placed his hands on her hips and pushed, but she pressed herself against him. He shivered and inhaled her perfume.

“You have four behind you,” she said, “and another four coming from the staff entrance.”

“I know,” he said, leading her across the floor in time to the music. “Lucius is leading them. It’s a Council hit.” He glanced to the side. “Two more on your left, dancing.” They moved apart, keeping their steps in perfect rhythm.

Elena flicked her eyes around. “Three by the stairs. Just you?”

Nathan shook his head as they closed in together again. “Tommy’s inside. Cynthia and Cadence are watching from the next building. Sue’s got the truck waiting.”

“Sam?”

“Watching the bar.”

“You should have Cadence in here,” she said.

“I can handle this,” he said.

“You need help.”

Nathan smirked and dipped Elena, gazing down at her.

“That’s the wrong step,” she said.

Nathan felt the energy in the crowd shift. A forgotten sense most mortals possessed, but which only those regularly exposed to the supernatural were aware of, allowed the detection of emotional energy and even the presence of supernatural creatures and magical effects. The crowd was nervous. Eyes moved to Nathan and Elena. People backed away. One of the men approaching from behind Elena flashed a grin, showing a pair of long fangs.

“It’s time to change the tempo,” Nathan said. “Allegro, perhaps?”

Elena nodded and reached for one of her hair pins. Nathan pulled her back up and she threw the pin. It flew straight into the heart of one of the Council agents. Nathan ignored the scream and delivered a side-kick to the sternum of the vampire behind Elena.

“Tommy,” Nathan yelled into his radio. “Where are you?”

Nathan spotted him pushing his way through the crowd as two more vampires moved in on him and Elena. They fought back to back. Elena kicked off her shoes and used another hair pin as a close-range stabbing weapon. Nathan blocked a wild punch and twisted the vampire’s arm, breaking it at the elbow joint. The vampire yelled and Nathan spun, hurling him against the buffet table.

A female vampire leaped onto Nathan’s back. Her hiss closed in on his ear as she reached for his throat. Nathan reached around to grab her, but another vampire kicked him in the stomach.

Tommy tried to push onto the dance floor, but the crowd was too thick and panicked.

“Cadence,” Nathan said, struggling to breathe as the woman on his back tried to strangle him. “Now.”
A window smashed inward as a rolled-up black wrap flew through the air. It landed close to Nathan and fell open, revealing the hilt of his sword.

“Elena!”

The woman on Nathan’s back seized and shrieked. Her grip loosened. Nathan spun his hips and threw her off. One of Elena’s pins stuck out of her back. These vampires weren’t dying immediately upon wood piercing their hearts. That meant they were older; more powerful than the average street vampires. They’d need their heads cut off or their bodies burned to finish them off for good.

Nathan dove for his sword, snatching it and slashing the next vampire’s leg. He rolled to his feet and swung down as the vampire’s fingernails grew into long black claws. Its hands fell away and the vampire shrieked, running from Nathan.

Elena reached for the roll of weapons and took two small curved axes. Five vampires surrounded them. Nathan pointed for Tommy to get to the mayor and he nodded, running to the stage. The vampires pounced.

Nathan and Elena reacted as one, fighting off their attackers with precision and unity honed over a hundred lifetimes. Dark blood splattered the dance floor as they cut down the vampires one by one. With every heartbeat, Nathan felt Elena’s soul pulsing and his own respond in kind. They breathed in unison, feeling what the other felt, seeing what the other saw. It was in this, the work of performing death, that their last true bond remained. Nathan was almost used to the regret. It urged him on, giving him power, bringing forth memories of past-life battles to fuel his strength and speed. He reached into those memories now, plucking one from the chaos and taking his past-self’s adrenaline to keep his mind focused on the task at hand. There was no room for mistakes here.
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