Early Review: The Red Lily by Juliette Cross

The Red Lily

Author: Juliette Cross

Release Date: June 19, 2017

Publisher: Entangled Select

Vampire Blood Book #2

ISBN13: 9781633759411

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source: Publisher

When Red falls for the Big Bad Wolf...

The Black Lily resistance needs a larger army if they are to defeat the vampire monarchy. In order to do so, former lieutenant and traitor to the vampire Crown, Nikolai must seek help from the red-hooded temptress he needs to avoid at all costs. The secret he carries could prove dangerous for her if she gets too close...even though keeping her close—very close—is the only thing on his mind.

Sienna will do anything for the Black Lily, and when Nikolai asks for her assistance to gain the trust of the commonwealth, it's the last thing she wants to do. The thought of leaving her woods and her wolves behind is terrifying...not to mention the danger being with Nikolai poses.

I really enjoyed Arabelle and Marius' story in THE BLACK LILY and I also really enjoyed meeting Nikolai and Sienna along the way. I didn't find THE RED LILY as exciting as book one, but the story was still enjoyable and I have no doubt that the people and events that took place will show up in later installments of the Vampire Blood series.

I'm finding myself having a hard time reviewing THE RED LILY. I enjoyed the story, but I feel like it was missing something and I can't quite put my finger on what it was. On top of that, I know that THE RED LILY is Sienna and Nikolai's book, but I was really looking forward to seeing the resistance some more and I don't feel like it really did the job of furthering that part of the storyline even though that was the point of the couple working together. They did get some things done, but it didn't feel to me like enough was done.

The romance between Nikolai and Sienna wasn't as tumultuous as Arabelle and Marius, but they did have passion. The sexy scenes when they happened were hot and Arabelle really surprised me during those moments.

The Hart wolves were something that really interested me in THE BLACK LILY and they are explored a lot more in book two. I would have never guessed what they really were or that they were a part of the things that were revealed to us. I am excited to learn more about them in future books. In fact, I'm hoping they get a book all to themselves. I have no doubt that their connection to Arabelle will have them in future fights as allies of the resistance. Come on THE WHITE LILY, make my hopes a reality.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

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

Promo: Marked By Sin by Jasmine Walt and Debbie Cassidy

In an alternate London, where ancient Hindu gods rule, one woman holds humanity’s fate in her blood-stained hands…

The first installment in a new series
by Jasmine Walt and Debbie Cassidy.

 

Marked by Sin
The Gatekeeper Chronicles #1

Adopted by Brahma Corp’s Assassin Guild and raised as one of their own, Malina Hayes is about to make her fiftieth kill. After bringing down forty-nine of London’s worst criminals, this latest job shouldn’t be a big deal. But if Malina is successful, she’ll receive her first milestone mark. Ascension in the ranks, better pay, and a swanky flat in Soho all sound like very good reasons to make this kill count.

But fate and destiny have different plans for Malina. Seconds away from receiving the coveted milestone mark, Malina is torn away from the world she knows and thrust onto a new path—one where the purity of her soul will determine the very fate of mankind. Trouble is, Malina’s kill orders were a lie. The targets she assassinated were innocents, and each one has left a terrible stain on her soul.

Stains she must now remove, at any cost.

Atoning for the blood of fifty victims is no mean feat, especially for someone who has spent their entire life killing. But if Malina fails, the lock on the gates of the underworld will crumble to dust. And we all know what happens when a legion of demons is unleashed upon the world…

Especially when they have their sights set on you.

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NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and WALL STREET JOURNAL Bestselling Author Jasmine Walt is obsessed with books, chocolate, and sharp, pointy objects. Somehow, those three things melded together in her head and transformed into a desire to write. Usually fantastical stuff, with a healthy dose of action and romance. Her characters are a little (okay, a lot) on the snarky side, and they swear, but they mean well. Even the villains sometimes.

When Jasmine isn't working on her next book, you can find her practicing her dao sword form, spending time with her family, or binge-watching superhero shows on Netflix. She loves to hear from her readers, so if you've got a question or just want to say hi, feel free to email her at jasmine[at]jasminewalt[dot]com.

 

 

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes High Fantasy, Urban Fantasy and Science Fiction. Debbie also writes dark, diverse Urban Fantasy fiction, under the pen name Amos Cassidy, with her best friend Richard Amos.

 

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This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Interview + Giveaway: Atlantis Reborn by Gloria Craw

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

Well, I’m a bit of an introvert. I enjoy my friends and socializing, but I have a limited amount of energy for that type of interaction. I’ll be the life of the party one minute and sitting in a quiet corner the next. When I have to retreat to recharge, I do a lot of people watching. I think these times of quiet observation make me a better writer than I would otherwise be.  

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

I’m an archaeology buff, so I scour the internet for articles about new digs whenever I can. I run with dog and watch documentaries, as well. Yep, I’m a complete nerd.

What is your Favorite part of writing?

Brainstorming ideas. I have full license to daydream, and I make the most of it.

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

I wish I could say yes. I have four school age daughters that require a lot of my attention. I do my writing around their schedules, which is difficult but not impossible. I’m much better at outlining my projects nowadays, and I set a certain number of words I want to write per week. That’s as much routine as I can reasonably expect of myself at this point.

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

I enjoyed the Witch series by Carolyn MacCullough, and of course, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

Do you have a favorite scene in Atlantis Reborn ?

My favorite scene in Atlantis Reborn is the final one. Alison has faced some extreme challenges, and she’s lost people she loves. When things finally calm down, Ian rents out an opera hall and stages a fake prom for her. It’s a light and teasing scene, but something profound happens at the end of it.

Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

I love writing cocky Ian and grumpy Lillian, but cynical Theron Falco is my favorite. He’s always got a sarcastic follow up to things other people say. When I reread his dialogue, I can hardly believe it originated in my mind. I have a soft spot for him because he keeps getting the short end of the stick, too. Theron’s character is very distinct. Perhaps that’s why writing him is so much fun.  

It’s gotten harder for me to write Spencer Thane’s character. He has boundless energy, which I love, but turning that into something important to the story isn’t always easy.

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

The Atlantis Rising series will continue through Theron’s perspective, and I just finished another YA fantasy called Seek the Shadows.

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Gloria Craw grew up in the desert southwest and attended the University of Utah where she got a degree in anthropology. These days, she lives just outside of Seattle, Washington. She’s married, has four daughters and a very hairy dog.


Find Gloria and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Atlantis Reborn
Atlantis Rising #3
Entangled 

In a few days, I’ll officially be the Laurel clan chief—but it comes at a heavy cost. My human family, the McKyes, think I’m dead, and the only family I have left is my surly cousin, Theron. Plus the occasional visit from my dead mother.

Gathering the fifteen clans of Atlantis is more tasking than I thought. Thank fate that Ian has my back, otherwise keeping the peace would be a total disaster.I want to give him my heart, too, but without an official likeness, or spontaneous pairing, it’s only wishful thinking. To make matters worse, someone out there has the formula to createhuman-Atlantian hybrids. For a hefty price.

Certain chiefs are so desperate to increase our population that they refuse to see the price might be more than money; it could cost us our souls. If I can’t change their minds,the descendants of Atlantis could disappear forever.

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Tour Wide

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Releases: 6/11-6/17

Tue. June 13th

 The Black Elfstone (The Fall of Shannara #1) by Terry Brooks
 The Changeling by Victor LaValle 
 Cormorant Run by Lilith Saintcrow
 Devil's Due (Destroyermen #12) by Taylor Anderson
 Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2) by Seanan McGuire
 The Fallen Kingdom (The Falconer #3) by Elizabeth May
 Fierce Obsessions (The Phoenix Pack #6) by Suzanne Wright
 Julia Defiant (Witch's Child #2) by Catherine Egan
 Obsidian and Stars (Ivory and Bone #2) by Julie Eshbaugh
 Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2) by Victoria Schwab
 Raven Stratagem (The Machineries of Empire #2) by Yoon Ha Lee
 The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland
 Roar (Stormheart #1) by Cora Carmack
 Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity #1) by Nalini Singh
 Soleri by Michael Johnston
 The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano
 Thief's Cunning (Assassin's Heart #2) by Sarah Ahiers
 Want (Want, #1) by Cindy Pon

Happy Reading!

Promo + Giveaway: Kiss Me, Kill You by Larissa C. Hardesty

Kiss Me, Kill You

Amazon | BN | iBooks | Goodreads | Entangled

 

First kisses should be legendary—not deadly.

 Emmy Duivel believes in true love: heart-stopping kisses, candlelight dinners, and a connection that lasts forever. But not the kind of kisses that land your date in the hospital. Emmy always knew she was different, but not in the supernatural sense. Not in the succubus sense. Paul Andinn had only one job: watch over Emmy and make sure she doesn’t expose the supernatural world. It should have been easy, but the moment he looked away, she kissed that boy, and everything changed. He should be more upset. But he can’t. Not when he’s falling hard for her.

Excerpt:

She waved my question away and eyed my outfit, beaming. “Perfect. Now you need someone to wear it for.” She pursed her lips. “What about that Paul guy you’re always pining after?”

I sucked in a breath. I could never wear something like this in front of Paul. Could I? Trying to be objective, I watched my reflection in the mirror. The black lace cami flowed to my hips, emphasizing my curves without being too tight. The skirt was snug in contrast, in addition to being short, but because the top was flowy, it wasn’t as revealing as I’d thought. I expected to hate it. But I didn’t look bad. Actually, it made me feel a little sexy. Maybe… I shook my head.

“I don’t think he’s interested, Lily.” That wasn’t exactly true. He was always watching me. But that could be wishful thinking, too. He’d never actually said anything to make me think he’d want to go out with me. The thought of going on a date with Paul made my heart skip and my stomach churn at the same time.

Lily gave me a Look. “He’s totally interested, and so are you. So, ask him out.”

“What do you mean, he’s totally interested? How do you know?” Then I realized what she’d suggested, and my pulse sped up. “No way. I can’t do that.”

“You can, and you will.” She bumped my shoulder with hers. “You know you want to. I see the way you look at him. And if you don’t, I’ll have to do it for you.” Giving me a knowing smile, she pushed me toward the dressing room again. “You can thank me later.”

And that was the end of that. If I didn’t ask Paul out, she really would do it for me, which would be utterly mortifying.

I guess I’m asking Paul out tomorrow.

Contrary to the feeling in the pit of my stomach, I watched my lips lift into a smile in the mirror.

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 Larissa Hardesty is a Young Adult author of speculative fiction. Having lived a fairytale when she met her husband while on vacation at Disney World as a high school senior, all of her stories have at least a touch of romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing her passion for music as an elementary music teacher and handbell choir director. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and three children.

Find Larissa and her books

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Tour Wide

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week in Review: 6/4-6/10

Books Received for Review

Ashes of the Phoenix by Jess Haines
Fury of a Phoenix by Shannon Mayer

Books I've Read

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake
Fury of a Phoenix by Shannon Mayer
Fallen Flame by J.M. Miller
Ashes of the Phoenix by Jess Haines
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli

Reviews Posted


All the Stars Left Behind by Ashley Graham
Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur

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

* Monday- Promo + Giveaway for Her Wounded Dragon by Sky Purington

* Thursday- Guest Blog + Giveaway for Secrets of Skin and Stone by Wendy Laine

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

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

BlogLovin

Networked Blogs

Facebook
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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: Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur

Blood Kissed

Author: Keri Arthur

Release Date: May 16, 2017

Publisher: Self-Published

Lizzie Grace Book #1

ISBN:  0648007715

ISBN13: 9780648007715

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

In a world where magic and science sit side by side, and powerful witches are considered necessary aides for all governments, Lizzie Grace is something of an outlier. Though born into one the most powerful blue blood witch families, she wants nothing to do with either her past or her magic.

But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.

Lizzie and her human familiar—and best friend—Belle, are in hiding from her family and living on a werewolf reservation when trouble finds its way to their door. I enjoyed the relationship between Lizzie and Belle. A human familiar isn't something that is normal, but they work so well together and they wouldn't wish it any other way. Although Lizzie was born to a very powerful witch family, it's made clear that her magic isn't very strong. I kinda kept waiting for her to really blow magic out of the water in some way. Like a hidden magical reservoir that has been hiding and shows itself at the most opportune time. Not sure if that will ever happen, but i will keep my fingers crossed in future books.

There is a tad bit of a love interest in BLOOD KISSED—very minor romance. Witnessing the awkward, frustrating and sometimes electric interactions between Lizzie and Aiden was pretty entertaining at times. They were BOTH so frustrated and repelled by each other, but also magnetically attracted to each other and hating it. You could definitely feel the sexual frustration at points. I imagine things will be pretty steamy if they ever get over their issues and hook up.

I enjoyed the setting in BLOOD KISSED. The small town feel was great and there is still so much involved in it being a werewolf reservation. The pace of BLOOD KISSED wasn't always fast, but I was never bored. I do wish that there were more twists involved in the storyline. There was a lot of things that ended up being pretty obvious. 

After all was read, I thought that BLOOD KISSED was a nice start to a new series for Keri Arthur and I will keep my eyes open for Lizzie's next adventure. 

I gave it 4/5 stars

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