Thursday, April 7, 2011

Interview and Giveaway: Amanda E. Alvarez

UFI welcomes Amanda E Alvarez Author of Hunting Human. Thanks for Joining us!!


* I see from your bio that you have a liking for cupcakes, what is your favorite kind?

A: I think the better question would be which ones don’t I like! I love cupcakes and what type I choose to indulge in often depends on my mood. I like trying the seasonal flavors (the pumpkin spice with cream cheese frosting with a hot cup of tea in the fall? Delicious!) But generally, if there is an option for dark chocolate I’m sold.

* What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

A: What is down time? I like trying new things a lot. A friend of mine and I are always doing new things. We went zorbing last year (think rolling down a big hill in a giant water filled hamster ball.) We also went surfing. This year we are trying fencing and the flying trapeze! I’ve recently started going to the driving range, that’s a lot of fun. I used to play a lot of tennis and I’d like to get back to that. I also enjoy reading or taking classes at the gym.

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

A: I moved around a lot as a kid. As a result I adapt fairly easily to new environments and people. I think that’s probably had a direct impact on the way I look at and experience things and subsequently on the way that I write.

* What is your Favorite part of writing?

A: It’s a tie between finishing the book (the rush of accomplishment is great) and the first blush of excitement when the idea is new and writing comes easily.

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

A: Nothing set in stone. I don’t write very well from home so I often go to local coffee shops and restaurants to get stuff done. I have to have my iPod, writing in silence doesn’t work for me. I also like to have finger foods around.

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

A: I think the first paranormal/fantasy book I ever read was Dean Koontz’s Lightning. I’m not really sure how you’d classify that book, but it’s the first one I remember really opening me up wider genres. Do I need to mention JK Rowling and Harry Potter? I’d love to be able to world build and beautifully as she does. I’ve also read a lot of Iris Johansen, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and several others.

* How would you pitch Hunting Human to someone who has never heard of it before?

A: Ahhhhhh! I’ve never been good at this. Hunting Human is a werewolf romance about Beth Williams, who was hunted down and savaged by a werewolf. It’s an exploration of what would happen if someone who had no reason to believe in the paranormal was thrust violently into that world, with no help, support or answers.

You can read the entirety of the first chapter HERE.

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

A: I liked writing about Chase; he was one of the first characters that really became real to me. I could always count on Lucy to be easy to write and a funny in otherwise dark situations. I’m not sure who presented the most difficulty – Braden’s father, probably. I had a clear vision of what I wanted for him, but so much of it was subtle and understated so I had to work really hard to make his mannerisms and dialogue match that idea.

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


A: I’m planning to continue the Edwards Family Saga with books for each of Braden’s siblings. Right now I’m working through a completely different project, a romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

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Author Bio:

Amanda was born and raised in Texas - and due to an unfortunate three year stint in Michigan - doesn't plan to ever live anywhere where flip-flops and sweatshirts don't constitute winter attire. Often audacious and adventurous, she tends to find herself in a slew of dangerous (and hilarious!) predicaments  (law school and fighting raccoons in dumpsters) and thankfully has many friends ready to lend aid (while they laugh.)

When not lawyering, writing, or thinking about going to the gym Amanda is often caught sampling local cupcake offerings and planning to someday co-open an evil bakery and sell dastardly desserts. She currently lives in Dallas, Texas with one regular-sized cat and one jumbo-sized cat, and can be seen writing in public places frequented by hot guys (strictly for research purposes, of course!) with her friends and fellow writers Cupcake-Killer and Alter-Ego (names omitted to protect the not-so-innocent).
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Hunting Human
March 28,2011


For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past, and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present.

But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who
kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on.

With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within and love a man who embodies everything she fears?

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Find Amanda and her books
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Click the link about to see where Amanda has been and where she will be next on her Hunting Human Tour
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Amanda will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to the tour host with the most comments AND to one randomly drawn commenter out of all the tour spots. You can find her other tour stops by clicking on the tour banner above the giveaway image.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Winner: Vivi Anna Giveaway

Thank you to everyone that entered!!


PRIZE: One PDF Copy of GLIMMER by Vivi Anna


The winner chosen by Random.org is…




Aanchal @ Book Flame






Congrats!! I have emailed winner. Enjoy!!!

Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Darkness
Author:Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl
Release Date: December 1, 2009
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 
The Caster Chronicles Book #1
ISBN:  0316042676
ISBN13: 9780316042673
Genre: Young Adult

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
This was a neat unique story. I liked that the story was told through a male POV, I dont think I have read anything from an exclusive male POV before and it was a nice change. Although there was always something happening in the book I did find my self "mind wandering" at points because It wasn't keeping me in the pages. I think somethings kinda just went on and on and got a little bit slow at some points throughout the book. I enjoyed the characters as well as the southern setting. The author did a great job with bringing me into Ethan's world. The mental connection between Ethan and Lena was interesting. You dont really find out why they have the connection though so I'm hoping that it is explained more in book 2 BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS. The ending makes it perfectly clear that Ethan and Lena's struggles are far from over but doesn't leave you hanging with a huge cliffhanger. I think most YA fans will enjoy BEAUTIFUL CREATURES.

I gave it a 3/5 stars

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Review: Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre

Blue Diablo
Author:Ann Aguirre
Release Date: April 7, 2009
Publisher: Roc
Corine Solomon Book #1
ISBN:   0451462645
ISBN13: 9780451462640
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Other women change their hair color on a whim or to impress a new boyfriend; Corinne Solomon dyes hers because she's running scared. She's a handler, a paranormal who can touch something and almost instantly know its history and, if she's lucky (or unlucky) its future, too. Now hiding out in Mexico, she wants to keep a low profile, but when people come begging for her help, she can't refuse, although she knows that she should know better .

Why the heck did it take me so long to read this book? I have had it on my reader for at least a year and just kept on passing it by. What a mistake that was and I'm glad I finally opened it up and started reading it. Corrine was a very like-able character, I enjoyed her gift, she can pick something up and find out the history of it or the person that owned it but it comes at an expense to her as she is usually seriously burned on her hands from the reading. Chance her ex lover/boyfriend and her have a difficult working relationship throughout the entire book. I really like Chance but I can see Corrine's hesitation to be anything more then being friends with him. He does sound hunky though. The supporting characters were all interesting and engaging. I especially liked Eva, you could tell from the moment she came into the story she was going to be a fantastic addition to Corrine's life. BLUE DIABLO also happened to be the first Ann Aguirre book and if her writing is as fantastic as it was in BLUE DIABLO I will have to check out her other books. I think BLUE DIABLO was a fantastic start to what will be a great Urban Fantasy series and I'm excited to pick up HELL FIRE.

I gave it 4/5 stars

New Releases April 3-9


Mon April 4

 
Tue April 5
 
Deadworld by J.N. Duncan
Plague (Gone #4) by Michael Grant


If you see a mistake or know of another release that is not listed let me know!! Happy Reading

Monday, April 4, 2011

Review: Hunting Human by Amanda E. Alvarez

Hunting Human
Author:Amanda E. Alvarez
Release Date: March 28, 2011
Publisher: Carina Press
eISBN:  9781426891434
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Netgalley.com
For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past, and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present.

But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries—and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on.

With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within—and love a man who embodies everything she fears?

I was enthralled with the story from the first chapter. The book was emotional, full of action, filled with a wonderful cast of characters its an all around great book for any shifter lover. The sexual tension between Beth and Braden was fantastic, not to overwhelming but aggressive enough to make you want them to hurry it up already. I loved Braden's family. The support and love were felt with every word Alvarez wrote about them and it was all completely believable. I dont think this is supposed to be a series, but I would so read another Beth book from Amanda and hope she writes one as I'm positive Beth has more to share and explore.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Week in Review 3/27-4/2



Books Ive Bought/received

* Bloodspell by Amalie Howard- ARC- From publisher for blog tour

* Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley- ARC- From publisher for blog tour

* Hounded by Kevin Hearne- ARC- Librarything Early Reviewers win

* Pale Demon by Kim Harrison- Win from Michelle's Book Blog

* License to Ensorcell by Katharine Kerr- Bought at Borders

* Con & Conjure by Lisa Shearin- Bought at Borders.com

* Deadworld by J.N. Duncan- Bought at Borders.com

* Hellfire by Ann Aguirre- Bought at Borders.com


Books I read

Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre
Hell Fire by Ann Aguirre
License to Ensorcell by Katharine Kerr
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Con & Conjure by Lisa Shearin

Reviews posted

Glimmer by Vivi Anna
Surrender the Dark by L.A. Banks
Betrayal by Lee Nichols
Seeing for the First Time by Nicole Zoltac

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* New Releases for the week.

* Want to win a Kindle 3?? UFI Is participating in Moira Roger's Wilders Mate Kindle Contest stop on by the post to see how you can win. 

* The winner of the copy of The Truth About Vampires by Theresa Meyers has been posted. 

* Vivi Anna joined us Wednesday for a guest blog and Giveaway. Giveaway ends 4/6