Tue. June 16th
Pure Blooded (Jessica McClain #5) by Amanda Carlson
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
Guest Blog & Giveaway: Hunting for Witches by Lana Pecherczyk
UFI welcomes Author Lana Pecherczyk. Thanks for Joining us!!
Hello UFI readers! Thanks for having me. I’m super excited to be here for the very first time as an author and I’m going to tackle a question that all UFI readers have probably asked at some point: What is it about Urban Fantasy that has us all so fascinated?
Is it the sassy female lead, the journey of self-discovery, or the lovable but broody alpha male love interest? My book ‘Hunting for Witches’ has it all, but it’s not what drew me to write in the genre. What really floats my Urban Fantasy boat is the ability to bring magic within arm’s reach, to thrill by making the scary bits just one step closer to real life, and to take out all the guess work of world building by making the environment familiar but giving it a twist.
This twist on reality had me fired up when I wrote Hunting for Witches. I gave the usual perception of witchcraft a scientific twist and changed them into evil body snatching spirits who can consciously order our DNA to behave a certain way. For example, change the colour of their nails, release pheromones to attract the opposite sex, create a virus to hex your enemy … they are only limited by their imagination. I added to this possession concept and gave my gods a twist on their mythology. They’re highly evolved beings from another world who’ve been stuck here for millennia because of an ancient civil war, but are using human bodies to live life many times over and further their own evolution in a bid to get back home. Life is all a game to them, and we’re all part of it. Roo, my main character is a girl stuck between both worlds.
So, without further ado, here is a list of five fantasy concepts with a twist.
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Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk. This is a world where Magic has a cost.
Every time you use it, you wind up sick, or hurt.
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Kate Daniels Series by Ilona Andrews: Yeah, I know you’ve probably all read
these but I love how they blend magic with technology in a world that jumps
between the two.
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The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. A classic but was a totally unique blend of
the occult with the spiritual making it more believable.
-
Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris: Vampires coming out of the
coffin? Vampires drinking synthetic blood? Awesome.
- Anita Blake Novels by Laurel K Hamilton. Anita is a zombie raising PI, but this power over the dead can also give her power over vampires.
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An author in her own right, with her urban fantasy novel Hunting for Witches recently released, Lana creates all of her own cover work and illustrations, and infuses websites with her unique stylistic talent and quirky graphic design.
She loves Sailor Moon. No judgement.
Find Lana and her books
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Hunting for WitchesThe Ludus #1
Amazon
Witches have been obliterated - or so the world hopes. At 24, Roo struggles to keep her DNA-changing abilities secret. She doesn't feel like a witch, but if she isn't, how can she manipulate the physical world? Why does she feel the energy of all living things?
On tenuous ground, Roo keeps her skills hidden with the help of her sexy songstress BFF and her barmaid job at The Cauldron. Hiding in plain sight seems to be working until a mysterious witch hunter comes to town. Roo's powers are growing and, when a witch possesses the body of her sister, she defends her using any means possible.
Roo is exposed and attacked from all sides. She must learn to trust others while she discovers her identity and masters her powers to save the lives of her loved ones. She needs to convince herself and her town that she's more than a witch.
Inspired by mythology, science and fantasy, this fascinating debut novel is set in a brilliantly envisioned world where life is a secret game played by gods and witches until death ...
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Sunday, June 14, 2015
Week in Review: 6/7-6/13
Books Received for Review
- Frozen in Amber by Phyllis Ames- ARC- Publisher
- Cruzible Zero by Devon Monk - ARC- Publisher
Books I've Read
Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews
Shades of Loss by L.M. Pruitt
Shades of Vengeance by L.M. Pruitt
Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
Pure Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Reviews Posted
Brand of the Pack by Tera Shanley
Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross
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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?
* Monday- Interview & Giveaway for A New Day at Midnight by Michelle Hiscox
* Thursday- Guest Blog & Giveaway for Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross
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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?
* 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.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Review: Brand of the Pack by Tera Shanley
Brand of the Pack
Author: Tera Shanley
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Silver Wolf Clan Book #3
ISBN:
1616505443
ISBN13: 9781616505448
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: NetGalleyThe last of her kind...
As the last of the Silver Wolves, and the only female with the ability to produce werewolf offspring, Morgan Carter is a wanted woman. Male suitors from all packs vie for her, and threaten the safety of her young niece, Lana. But there is only one man Morgan wants...
The last of his control...
Greyson Crawford has been through hell and back for Morgan. And he’d do it again. But until she learns to trust him, and lets him claim her as his own, he can’t fully protect her. When a force more powerful than either have known threatens to tear them apart, can Greyson convince Morgan to accept him as her mate once and for all, before it’s too late?
BRAND OF THE PACK made me like Greyson and Morgan again after the events of BLACK WOLF'S REVENGE turned me off of them.
The story starts up right after BLACK WOLF'S REVENGE ends. Morgan is ready to ask for Greyson's forgiveness and comes to him. I appreciated the way things played out during this time. The feelings were there and neither of them played games. Morgan is stills scarred from her experience with the Montana wolves and Greyson is gentle with her and gives her the space she needs to feel comfortable again. Until the couple is officially mated, Morgan is still considered "up for grabs" and Greyson is more than happy to beat the crap out of anyone that attempts to claim her.
Why am I only giving BRAND OF THE PACK 3 stars? Because some things happened early in the book where someone called the Dragon was introduced and we were left hanging. He made some pretty serious threats if certain events were to happen and the events happened so????? This is one of those series that I seem to always have issues with, but can't help reading the next book when it comes out.
I gave it 3/5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Guest Blog & Giveaway: Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross
Why Dragons?
So why are dragons so freaking HOT? Funny question coming from a writer of an entire world based on a dragon hybrid race. At the RT Convention in May, I spoke with a bookseller who happened to pick up my postcard on WAKING THE DRAGON, and she thanked me profusely because her customers just couldn’t get enough of dragons. I asked some of my besties in the book world this question and here’s what they said.
Sarah Hegger said, “Power and magic.” A.S. Fenichel—“Muscular and fierce.” Gemma Brocato—“Even when they’re being soft as sin, they are all hard-edged and fierce. Kristi Rose hit the nail on the head (which was EXACTLY what I was thinking) in her reply that dragons “are the ultimate alpha.”
I completely agree, ladies. He will burn an enemy alive for taking his most precious treasure. In dragon romance, that means his woman. And if you thought lions were king of the jungle…puh-lease. Move over, kitty cats. The dragon is the true king of all beasts. As my friend Kristi also said, “their strength is intoxicating.” As swoony romance readers (and writers) we want that man who can smite our enemies, who will protect us to the death, and who will love us with a fierceness that is unparalleled. I do believe my Morgon men (half-dragons) fit this bill. But perhaps you can be the better judge.
So, why do you think dragons are so hot? I’d love to hear what you think. ☺
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Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.
Find Juliette and her books
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Waking the DragonVale of Stars #1
Amazon BN Kobo Kensington
The Gladium Province is on the verge of civil unrest as humans and Morgons, the dragon-hybrid race, clash once more. But amid disorder can also arise passion.
When the bodies of three human women are discovered in Morgon territory—with the DNA of several Morgon men on the victims—it’s just a matter of time before civil unrest hits the Province. But for ambitious reporter Moira Cade, it’s more than just a story, and it may mean risking her own life.
Descending into the dark underworld of Morgon society, Moira is paired with Kol Moonring, Captain of the Morgon Guard, for her protection. Fiercely independent, Moira bristles at his dominance, and defies his will at every turn. Yet resistance proves futile when passion flares between them, awakening powerful emotions within both, body and soul. But as the killings continue, can their fiery newfound bond survive an even greater evil—one that threatens all of humanity, Morgonkind, and Moira’s very soul?...
Excerpt: Prologue
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
The beautiful blonde froze.
Silence.
She peered down the darkened corridor of the cellar beneath the Vaengar Stadium. No one.
The Morgon with black hair and black eyes at the bar had told her the restroom was this way. The only sound was the wafting crackle of the torches. The only sight was long shadows cast by flickering flame. An eerie tendril of fear snaked up her spine. Even half-drunk, something primitive warned her of danger, like the innate foreboding a deer senses when the tiger stalks unseen from the trees.
She shook it off, flipped her long hair over one shoulder, and walked on, knowing the restroom must be just around the bend up ahead.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
She stopped again and spun around, unable to tell from which direction the sound came.
“Bennett? Is that you?” A hollow echo of her voice reverberated down the empty corridor. “Stop it! You’re scaring me.” The last came out a faint whisper. A presence—corporeal, malevolent, and drawing closer—plunged her into icy fear. Her pulse quickened. A hiss of wind pressed the thin fabric of her mini-dress to her thighs. The flame on the wall guttered to nothing, then relit anew.
Tick.
Tick.
Directly behind her. She whirled and stared up at a massive Morgon man who stood only feet away. A behemoth silhouetted by the flambeau. His pointed wings, half-open and huge, kept the rest of him in shadow, as if the light itself repelled him. She could see nothing but his eyes—amber orbs with serpentine slits, bright as the torch-flame. Her breath hitched in her throat. She fell back against cold stone, scraping her bare shoulders against the rough cavern wall.
He passed near a sconce, the light illuminating hard, angular planes, the ancestral lines of the dragon sculpting his face in stark relief—more beast than man. Her heart thrashed against her ribcage.
“I—I lost my way, I think. I should go.” She gestured in the direction she had come, inching along the wall.
He moved with lethal grace, angling closer in slow, even steps.
Tick.
Her gaze dropped to his large hand. Claw-tipped fingers spread wide, the sharp nail of the index tapping the stone. She bolted left, only to find a wall of six Morgon men blocking her exit. They’d materialized out of the shadows in silent stealth. Unmoving, watching. Backing against the wall, she swiveled her head from those blocking her path to their master stalking closer.
“What—what do you want from me?” Her voice cracked, primal fear ripping through her gut.
By now, she’d reached the pinnacle of terror, petrified in place. Tangible evil seeped into her skin as the sinister creature loomed, enveloping her in his shadow. Something screamed for her to run, while a compelling power rolling from the beast kept her pinned in place. It was as if his very presence demanded obedience, subservience.
The beast braced one arm next to her head, her panic filling up the confines of their space. He inhaled a deep breath, drinking her fear in like the sweetest nectar.
“Will she serve, my lord?” A voice of authority from one of the Morgons in shadow—sultry but edged like a razor.
Her chest rose and fell, drawing the beast’s gaze. He leaned closer, trailing one claw lightly over her swelling breasts. Viper-swift, he clamped her mouth with his other hand, stifling her screams, and continued his exploration of her naked skin with the blade-like nail. Her rapid pulse beat frantically at the base of her neck.
“Perhaps.” One word, grating and broken. The voice of a monster.
He snaked his claw across the bottom of her throat, then down the line of her cleavage, pressing just enough to scrape the skin, a thin line of red rushing to the surface. Keeping her immobile with his crushing weight, he scraped a drop of blood from her breasts. He opened his mouth, revealing a row of sharpened teeth, the canines most prominent. Reeking of menace and power, he licked the tip of his claw.
“Perhaps.”
His voice fell to a raspy whisper. A rumbling growl rattled her bones. A flash of flame and shadow and all was black.
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Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Review: Waking the Dragon by Juliette Cross
Waking the Dragon
Author: Juliette Cross
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Vale of Stars Book #1
ISBN: 1616507233
ISBN13: 9781616507237
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: NetGalleyThe Gladium Province is on the verge of civil unrest as humans and Morgons, the dragon-hybrid race, clash once more. But amid disorder can also arise passion…
When the bodies of three human women are discovered in Morgon territory—with the DNA of several Morgon men on the victims—it’s just a matter of time before civil unrest hits the Province. But for ambitious reporter Moira Cade, it’s more than just a story, and it may mean risking her own life.
Descending into the dark underworld of Morgon society, Moira is paired with Kol Moonring, Captain of the Morgon Guard, for her protection. Fiercely independent, Moira bristles at his dominance, and defies his will at every turn. Yet resistance proves futile when passion flares between them, awakening powerful emotions within both, body and soul. But as the killings continue, can their fiery newfound bond survive an even greater evil—one that threatens all of humanity, Morgonkind, and Moira’s very soul?...
We get new characters in Cross's new Vale of Stars series, but we're also luck enough to get the old from her Nightwing series as well. Even though this is a new series and you COULD start with book WAKING THE DRAGON, I would highly recommend reading the Nightwing series first. There is a lot of back story and character development that you will miss if you don't and you might not really 'get' some things if you don't have that information going in.
Moira, who happens to be Jessen's sister from SOULFIRE, is all grown up and easy to like. She's an independent strong woman who's willing to get her hands dirty when looking for and writing her next story. Her sister and brother-in-law demand that she take help when she insists on discovering what is happening with the human woman that are showing up dead in Morgon territory. With Kol at her side that is what she does. I must say that I absolutely fell in love with Kol. When we first met him in WINDBURN it was clear that he was a broody bad ass alpha male like all the other Morgan men we have met and he confirmed that in WAKING THE DRAGON, but there is SO much more to him and the more I learned the more I wanted to read about him.
With lots of danger, romance and suspense WAKING THE DRAGON helps us dive deeper into the world that Cross introduced to us in her Nightwing series. I enjoyed the full book length that WAKING THE DRAGON brought us and look forward to seeing what comes next in the Vale of Stars series. Juliette thankfully is able to get us the books we love pretty fast, so we probably won't have to wait too long for book 2.
I gave it 4/5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
New Releases: 6/7-6/13
Tue. June 9th
A Matter of Time (Angel Sight #3) by Lisa M. Basso
Brand of the Pack (Silver Wolf Clan #3) by Tera Shanley
Crash (The Game #3) by Eve Silver
Deal With The Devil (Purgatory #4) by Cynthia Eden
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2) by Erika Johansen
The Stars Never Rise (Untitled Series #1) by Rachel Vincent
Waking the Dragon (Vale of Stars #1) by Juliette Cross
Happy Reading!
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